A coalition of Los Angeles mayors, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, has called on the Trump administration to halt immigration raids, citing growing concerns over community unrest and public fear. The mayors, joined by over 30 regional leaders, criticized the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines, arguing that such actions are exacerbating tensions and undermining trust in local governance.
President Trump, however, defended the federal response, claiming the military intervention was crucial to maintaining order and preventing a potential crisis. His recent comments on Truth Social highlighted his belief that Los Angeles would descend into chaos without the presence of federal forces, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from local officials.
The mayors emphasized that the militarization of immigration enforcement has no place in their neighborhoods, with Huntington Park Mayor Arturo Flores, a Marine Corps veteran, describing the deployment as an ‘alarming escalation.’ He stressed the need for non-fear-based tactics that protect immigrant communities and preserve public trust.
Meanwhile, the situation in Downtown Los Angeles remains volatile, with a curfew in effect and police reporting nearly 400 arrests since the protests began. The vast majority of detainees were for failing to disperse, though a few faced more serious charges, including assault on officers and possession of weapons. Nine officers were injured, though most sustained minor injuries.
The National Guard and Marines have been deployed in significant numbers, with Major General Scott Sherman noting the expectation of a ramp-up in operations. The tensions reflect a broader clash between local authorities and federal agencies, as well as a deepening divide in public opinion over immigration policy and law enforcement strategies.