President Trump has expanded his military response to anti-ICE protests beyond Los Angeles, warning protesters nationwide they’ll face “equal or greater force” if demonstrations against immigration enforcement turn violent. In a bold move that has California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democrats crying foul, Trump deployed 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to ensure ICE can continue operations despite growing protests.
Trump Defends Military Deployment Against “Insurrectionists”
President Trump doubled down on his decision to send military forces to Los Angeles, describing protesters as “paid insurrectionists” attempting to block legitimate immigration enforcement. The deployment came after demonstrations against his administration’s renewed focus on deportations and immigration enforcement, with Trump vowing that similar military responses could follow in other cities where ICE operations face resistance.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fully backed the President’s decision, emphasizing that ICE officers have the right to carry out their duties safely throughout the country. The military presence in Los Angeles appears strategically positioned around federal buildings, creating a protective perimeter for immigration officials working in the area.
Democrats Claim Constitutional Overreach
California’s leadership and 22 Democratic governors have condemned Trump’s actions as a serious breach of state sovereignty and constitutional boundaries. Governor Newsom has been particularly vocal in his opposition, arguing that the President deployed troops against the express wishes of state leaders, setting a dangerous precedent for federal-state relations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is actively suing the Trump administration over the deployment of the National Guard, which he deems illegal and unconstitutional. He argues that Trump federalized the California National Guard without state consent, a rare move in U.S. history.… pic.twitter.com/1HCXucHuRC
— Cally1977 (@Cally12750) June 9, 2025
The President has reportedly considered invoking the Insurrection Act, which would provide legal authority for using military forces to suppress what he characterizes as rebellion or civil disorder. Congressional Republicans have rallied behind Trump’s decisive action, praising his commitment to enforcing immigration laws despite local resistance.
Legal Questions and Operational Realities
The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act technically restricts National Guard and Marine forces from directly engaging in law enforcement activities on American soil. Despite Trump’s characterization of widespread violence, ABC News reported that actual unrest has been minimal and largely confined to specific areas of downtown Los Angeles.
Trump has made it clear that military forces will remain in Los Angeles until he determines the threat to immigration enforcement has passed. When questioned about a timeline for withdrawal, the President remained firm that troops would stay as long as necessary to ensure ICE officers can perform their duties without interference from what he termed “the radical left.”
Sources:
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-mark-army-milestone-troops-deployed-los-angeles-2025-06-10/