LA anti-ICE protests live: Trump deploys National Guard after clashes with federal agents over immigration raids

A reporter covering the anti-ICE protests in LA was caught in the crossfire and had his vehicle’s windows smashed and “f*** ICE” spray painted on one of his doors.

“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester. The Trump Administration has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”

Law enforcement officers have started firing off tear gas at protesters in LA, according to CBS Los Angeles.

The LAPD said that the protests were largely peaceful, but also declared the demonstration unlawful just after 9pm local time on Saturday night.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said California Governor Gavin Newsom should be “thanking” President Donald Trump for sending federalized National Guardsmen into LA to stomp out anti-ICE protests.

“He should be thanking President Trump for bringing law and order to California — a basic value that Newsom and his fellow Democrats have failed to uphold,” Leavitt said.

On Saturday evening, Donald Trump broke his silence on the ongoing protests in Los Angeles against ICE agents who carried out a massive raid in the city this weekend.

The president threatened to use the power of the federal government to “solve the problem” in the city if Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass “can’t do their jobs.”

He later authorized the deployment of 2,000 federalized National Guardsmen to Los Angeles.

Senator Adam Schiff issued a statement on Saturday evening claiming that President Donald Trump is trying to “inflame” the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. He called for peaceful protests in LA.

“The Trump Administration’s calling on the California National Guard without the authorization of the Governor is unprecedented. This action is designed to inflame tensions, sow chaos, and escalate the situation,” Schiff wrote.

“If the Guard is needed to restore peace, the Governor will ask for it. But continuing down this path will erode trust in the National Guard and set a dangerous precedent for unilateral misuse of the Guard across the country. “

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration is “taking over” the state’s National Guard, and warned that the president’s move will “erode public trust.”

Fox News obtained footage shot from the inside of an ICE vehicle of protesters pelting the car with rocks. The rocks reportedly shattered the windows of the ICE vehicle.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said that the Trump administration wants residents of Los Angeles to violently react to the federal crackdown on anti-ICE protests, but he warned them not to give the president what he allegedly wants.

“The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,” Newsom wrote. “Don’t give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.”

Donald Trump issued a memo on Saturday evening announcing that he was using Title 10 of the United States Code to justify using the National Guard against anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles.

Title 10 of the USC outlines how the US military can be legally used by the federal government. Section 12406, which Trump cites in his memo, deals with when the president can use the National Guard for federal law enforcement.

Section 12406 reads as follows:

Whenever—(1) the United States, or any of the Commonwealths or possessions, is invaded or is in danger of invasion by a foreign nation; (2) there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States; or (3) the President is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States; the President may call into Federal service members and units of the National Guard of any State in such numbers as he considers necessary to repel the invasion, suppress the rebellion, or execute those laws. Orders for these purposes shall be issued through the governors of the States or, in the case of the District of Columbia, through the commanding general of the National Guard of the District of Columbia.

In the memo, Trump says that the National Guard “may perform those military protective activities that the Secretary of Defense determines are reasonably necessary to ensure the protection and safety of Federal personnel and property.”