Tensions escalated further after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard in Los Angeles on Sunday. Thousands of protesters took to the streets. They blocked a major freeway and set fire to autorickshaws. There were also incidents of explosions due to fire. The protesters were shouting slogans of ‘shame’ and ‘go home’ in front of the National Guard. Tear gas, rubber bullets and flash bangs were used to control the crowd.
Seeing the seriousness of the situation, Trump instructed Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell on Truth Social to arrest protesters wearing face masks. Trump wrote – ‘The situation in Los Angeles is very bad. Call the army.’Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, he threatened violence against protesters who spit on police or National Guard troops, saying, “They spit, we spit.”
Though he did not cite any specific incident, the police declared the gathering of people at one place illegal.Protesters threw pieces of concrete, rocks and fireworks at California Highway Patrol officers and their vehicles. Officers had to take cover under an overpass for protection. In Los Angeles on Sunday, protests were concentrated in several blocks. It was the third day of demonstrations against Trump’s immigration policies.
The deployment of the National Guard has sparked anger and fear among many residents. The Guard was specifically deployed to protect federal buildings, including the detention center where protesters gathered. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said officers were feeling overwhelmed by the protesters. Several people were arrested on Sunday.