US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, blaming the state’s top Democratic officials for what he called a “catastrophic” failure to quell violent demonstrations that erupted across parts of Los Angeles County over the weekend. The protests, which began on June 7 outside a Home Depot in Paramount, escalated into citywide confrontations involving federal agents, local police, and large crowds of demonstrators, many of whom waved Mexican flags and chanted anti-ICE slogans.

Trump, writing on his social media platform Truth Social, accused the demonstrators of being “paid insurrectionists,” and demanded that Newsom and Bass “apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they have done.” Referring to the unrest as “ongoing L.A. riots,” Trump insisted that the protesters were not expressing legitimate grievances but rather engaging in “organized chaos” at the expense of public order and national security.

“These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists,” Trump wrote. “Remember, NO MASKS!”

In a follow-up post, the former president reiterated his claim that the events were coordinated and funded, simply stating: “Paid Insurrectionists!”

The unrest originated during a confrontation between demonstrators and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers outside the Paramount Home Depot. Protesters had gathered to oppose recent deportation operations targeting undocumented immigrants across Southern California. When ICE officers refused to stand down, protesters blocked roads, and the situation quickly deteriorated. Authorities responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and riot control tactics to disperse the increasingly aggressive crowd.

As of Monday morning, the White House confirmed the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County in response to the protests. Of those, 300 have already been stationed, and another 500 US Marines remain on standby. According to White House immigration adviser Tom Homan, federal agents will continue immigration enforcement operations in the region “every day” and warned that state and local officials who interfere could face legal consequences, including arrest.

“This administration will not allow local politicians to obstruct federal law enforcement,” said Homan. “California’s sanctuary state policies have created a breeding ground for lawlessness. Governor Newsom is an embarrassment for the state and a threat to national security.”

On June 8, large groups of demonstrators moved onto the 101 Freeway, blocking southbound lanes between the 110 and the 5/10 interchanges. Video footage circulating online showed protesters waving Mexican flags and chanting “Viva la Raza,” a nationalist slogan rooted in Chicano political movements. Elsewhere in downtown Los Angeles, protesters reportedly burned American flags and hurled explosives at mounted police officers. The LAPD Central Division reported that officers came under attack by individuals throwing concrete and glass bottles, prompting a dispersal order near Alameda and Temple Streets.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened a criminal investigation into the attacks. Authorities are currently searching for a suspect wanted for assaulting a federal officer and causing property damage. A reward of up to $50,000 has been offered for information leading to the individual’s arrest and conviction.

Despite the scale of the unrest, Governor Newsom has fiercely opposed the federal deployment, calling it both “unconstitutional” and “illegal.” In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Newsom claimed the federal government did not properly consult the state before ordering military support, and said he plans to file a lawsuit challenging the move.

“We were not informed, we were not asked, and we certainly did not authorize the deployment of troops into our communities,” Newsom said. “Trump is using this crisis as political theater, and the people of California will not be bullied.”

Newsom also called on demonstrators to avoid provoking further violence. “Don’t give Trump what he wants,” he wrote on X. “Stay peaceful. Stay smart.”

Mayor Karen Bass, who has so far avoided the national spotlight in the wake of the unrest, held a brief press conference on Monday morning, urging both calm and restraint. “We’re working with community leaders, federal agencies, and local law enforcement to de-escalate tensions,” she said. “But I will not tolerate outside forces trying to turn Los Angeles into a political battleground.”

Critics of the Trump administration have pointed to the inflammatory language used by the former president as a possible instigator of violence. Civil rights groups have also questioned the legality of the National Guard deployment, warning that such actions could trigger further constitutional challenges related to federal overreach.

“Calling demonstrators ‘paid insurrectionists’ without evidence is irresponsible and dangerous,” said Maribel Gonzalez of the Southern California Civil Liberties Coalition. “This kind of rhetoric only fuels distrust and escalates violence.”

Yet Trump’s supporters argue that the unrest validates his tough-on-immigration stance and underscores the perceived failures of progressive policies in California. “This is what happens when you prioritize illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens,” said Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), a longtime Trump ally. “The federal government has a duty to act when state leaders refuse to maintain order.”

With tensions still high across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, it remains unclear whether the situation will calm or spiral further. The broader debate over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, and federal versus state authority appears once again to be at the heart of America’s political divide.

As of now, no major injuries have been reported, but law enforcement officials remain on high alert. Protest organizers have announced plans for additional rallies later this week, and legal challenges to the federal deployment could set up a new confrontation between California and Washington – a familiar battleground in the nation’s deeply polarized political landscape.

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