In a stark reminder of how far California has drifted from law and order, the National Guard is being deployed to Los Angeles County after violent anti-ICE protests erupted in response to lawful immigration enforcement operations.
According to President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, the federal government was forced to step in as local and state leaders failed to control the situation.
Tear gas was deployed near a Home Depot in Paramount, California, on Saturday, following what officials described as an alleged ICE raid.
The chaos that followed was swift and violent.
Federal agents came under direct assault. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks confirmed multiple arrests for assault on federal agents, while footage showed rocks and concrete smashing into ICE vehicles.
One agent suffered a bloody hand injury after a rock shattered a windshield, a clear escalation from protest to potentially lethal violence.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump didn’t hold back, calling out California’s failed leadership:
“If Governor Favin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 06.07.25 08:25 PM EST pic.twitter.com/c2Gju3QDTP
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) June 8, 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded by accusing the federal government of “sowing chaos,” even as he admitted to deploying additional California Highway Patrol troopers, though he emphasized they would not assist in immigration enforcement.
“That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions,” Newsom wrote, denying that there was any unmet need despite federal officers being attacked in broad daylight.
Vice President JD Vance cut through the political posturing and addressed the heart of the crisis:
“Now we have foreign nationals with no legal right to be in the country waving foreign flags and assaulting law enforcement. If only we had a good word for that…”
The facts back up the federal response.
According to DHS, ICE operations in Los Angeles this week resulted in the arrest of 118 illegal immigrants, including five gang members and individuals previously convicted of drug trafficking, child cruelty, domestic violence, and alien smuggling.
Nationwide, 2,000 arrests were made.
Meanwhile, the violence on the ground told its own story.
A Fox LA reporter shared footage of the outlet’s SUV, spray-painted with “F*** ICE,” windows smashed, tires slashed, and personal belongings stolen.
Media vehicles weren’t the only ones targeted, as nearby properties were reportedly vandalized and looted.
While Mayor Karen Bass was slow to respond, eventually posting that “violence and destruction are unacceptable,” federal officials were far more resolute.
“ANY attack on our agents or officers will not be tolerated,” declared Chief Banks.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem sent a clear message:
“You will not stop us or slow us down… You will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the agency is using investigative tools to identify violent agitators, stating plainly:
“I strongly suggest you turn yourself in, it’s only a matter of time.”
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 06.08.25 02:41 AM EST pic.twitter.com/1SW95TqKvB
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) June 8, 2025
This violent upheaval occurred less than 24 hours after over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building, again targeting ICE agents with aggression and vandalism.
And yet, in the face of criminality and disorder, California’s leadership continues to blame Washington, not the mobs throwing rocks and spray-painting federal vehicles.
The failings of the previous administration have spilled into America’s cities.
However, as the rule of law collapses, the message from the Trump administration is simple:
The law will be enforced — no matter who stands in the way.
READ MORE – California House Speaker Threatens to Withhold Federal Taxes from Trump Admin
