Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spoke on Sunday during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation” about the deployment of 2,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles, emphasizing that President Donald Trump is prioritizing the safety of both communities and law enforcement during the ongoing immigration-related riots. Noem described the situation as a critical moment that must be handled with care to avoid the kind of chaos that marked the 2020 unrest, which she attributed to poor decision-making by Democratic leaders.
Noem highlighted that the National Guard’s involvement is a direct response to the escalating violence, which has followed widespread immigration raids in the Los Angeles area. She noted that the National Guard is specifically trained for such “crowd situations,” with a focus on maintaining safety around buildings, supporting peaceful protests, and collaborating with law enforcement to ensure order. While Noem did not specify which locations the troops would be deployed to, she stressed that the mission is to prevent further unrest and provide a secure environment for both residents and protesters.
The deployment has been met with criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who claimed that the National Guard’s involvement is not due to a lack of law enforcement resources but rather to create a “spectacle.” Newsom also mentioned that the state has already deployed the California Highway Patrol to protect Los Angeles highways, though he clarified that their role is not to assist in federal immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, Noem accused Newsom of making “bad decisions,” a reference to the state’s handling of previous riots, and warned that Trump is determined to avoid a repeat of 2020’s events in the city.
Additionally, Noem criticized Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota for his response to the 2020 riots, which saw his city descend into chaos before he eventually called for National Guard assistance. She noted that Walz waited too long to request help, allowing the unrest to persist for days. This criticism was reinforced by former Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of Walz as her running mate, which highlighted his perceived role in the 2020 riots. Noem’s remarks underscore the political tensions surrounding the current situation, with the Trump administration framing its actions as a necessary measure to protect public safety and prevent further chaos.
The situation in Los Angeles has escalated as federal immigration authorities have taken action against migrants with criminal histories, including assault and drug offenses. The National Guard’s presence is expected to play a key role in managing this crisis, although the exact scope of their involvement remains under discussion. Noem’s comments reflect a broader narrative that the Trump administration is taking decisive steps to address what it views as law-and-order challenges, which may have implications for local governance and intergovernmental cooperation in the face of rising tensions.