Trump orders "Liberation" of Los Angeles amidst immigration protests

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a directive to "liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion," as protests against immigration enforcement continue in the city, reportedly involving clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.

The President's statement, shared on Truth Social, outlines a coordinated effort by federal agencies to address the situation.

In his online post on Sunday, President Trump stated, "A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals. Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations — But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve." He further directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, along with other relevant departments, "to take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion, and put an end to these Migrant riots." The President concluded by asserting, "Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free."

The President's order follows reports of escalating demonstrations in Los Angeles. According to reports, over 200 protesters were engaging with National Guard troops in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday. National Guard soldiers, joined by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), deployed tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse crowds. NBC News reported the use of less-lethal rounds and that some protesters moved onto the 101 Freeway, leading to its closure.

Following the clashes, California Governor Gavin Newsom urged protesters to remain peaceful, posting on X, "California -- Don't give Donald Trump what he wants. Speak up. Stay peaceful. Stay calm. Do not use violence and respect the law enforcement officers that are trying their best to keep the peace." Governor Newsom subsequently formally requested the Trump administration to withdraw the National Guard from Los Angeles County.

Demonstrations have reportedly spread across streets and freeways near the Metropolitan Detention Center after the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared an assembly "unlawful." The LAPD Central Division advised drivers to avoid the 101 Freeway near downtown due to multiple road closures. The department also reported that two LAPD officers were injured when two motorcyclists reportedly attempted to breach a skirmish line during a protest.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris referred to the deployment of the National Guard to California as a "dangerous escalation" and part of the Trump administration’s agenda. She stated on X, "Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos. In addition to the recent ICE raids in Southern California and across our nation, it is part of the Trump Administration’s cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division." A joint statement from 22 Democratic governors reportedly condemned the President's decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles, as reported by CNN.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the situation, defending migrants living in Los Angeles and stating that at least 35 Mexican nationals had been detained in recent immigration raids. The Mint quoted Sheinbaum as saying in a speech, "Mexicans living in the U.S. are good men and women, honest people who went to the U.S. to seek a better life for themselves and to support their families. They are not criminals! They are good men and women!"

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