Nationwide protests erupted across the US following federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, prompting President Trump to deploy thousands of troops, triggering widespread clashes, curfews, mass arrests, and legal battles over military intervention.
Nationwide protests broke out in the US after federal immigration raids in Los Angeles led to dozens of arrests, sparking outrage over what many described as militarised enforcement and civil rights violations. President Donald Trump deployed thousands of troops and defended the move as necessary to restore order, while hinting at invoking the Insurrection Act. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared an emergency and imposed a curfew, criticizing the military’s limited role. California Governor Gavin Newsom challenged the deployment in court, escalating tensions with the White House. As demonstrations spread to over a dozen cities. Police clashes, mass arrests, and growing political opposition continue.
Here are 10 key developments from the nationwide unrest sparked by immigration raids and the federal crackdown that followed.
1. Trump deploys troops, defends action
US President Donald Trump deployed over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles amid protests, saying on Truth Social: “If our troops didn’t go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now.”
At Fort Bragg, he labeled protesters “animals” and “a foreign enemy,” vowing to “liberate Los Angeles.”
Demonstrations began Friday after federal immigration agents arrested dozens of workers in Los Angeles.
Protesters blocked a major freeway and set vehicles ablaze. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades.
2. Mayor declares emergency, sets curfew
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency and imposed a nightly curfew: “We reached a tipping point” after 23 businesses were looted, she said.
The curfew covers a 1-square-mile downtown area and excludes residents, media, and emergency personnel.
3. Mayor questions military role
Bass criticised Trump’s claim that troops saved the city: “The National Guard didn’t even arrive until Sunday.”
“They are stationary at the federal building… not doing crowd control.”
She added: “What are the Marines going to do? That’s a good question.”
4. Trump mulls Insurrection Act
Trump left open the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act: “If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We’ll see. But I can tell you last night was terrible, and the night before that was terrible,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
This law allows the president to use military force within the US in extreme circumstances.
5. Gov. Newsom pushes back, goes to court
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump’s actions, calling them an “assault on democracy.”
He filed an emergency legal motion to halt military assistance in immigration enforcement: “California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next. Democracy is next.”
6. ICE and Guard presence expands
Photos released by ICE showed National Guard troops protecting officers during raids.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted: “ICE will continue to enforce the law.”
7. Downtown LA: 197 arrests, 7 officers hurt
LAPD made 197 arrests on Tuesday (June 10), including 67 for blocking the 101 freeway.
Charges included vandalism, looting, assault with a deadly weapon, and attempted murder (Molotov cocktail).
Seven officers were injured, two hospitalised and released.
8. Protests spread nationwide
Rallies erupted in Seattle, Austin, Chicago, NYC, and D.C.
Arrests were made in New York, and Austin police used chemical irritants.
Saturday’s “No Kings Day” protests are planned to coincide with Trump’s military parade.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump warned that more immigration raids were coming and said any future protests—including those at the upcoming parade—would be met with an even stronger response.
If they do, Trump said, “they will be met with very big force.”
“I haven’t even heard about a protest but you know, this is people that hate our country. But they will be met with very heavy force.”
