Protests erupted across the United States on Wednesday in response to stringent immigration tactics following several days of demonstrations in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, California braced for a legal confrontation regarding President Donald Trump’s military deployment.
In a demonstration that marked its sixth consecutive day, over 1,000 individuals gathered in the United States’ second-largest city. The atmosphere remained peaceful as participants marched through the streets, expressing their collective voice.
A second night of curfew has been implemented as city officials work to address the nighttime vandalism and looting that has affected several blocks within the sprawling 500-square-mile metropolis.
“For the most part, everything is hunky dory right here at Ground Zero,” said Lynn Sturgis, 66, a retired school teacher, in an interview with AFP.
“Contrary to the claims of our unfortunate leader, our city is neither ablaze nor in ruins.”
The largely tranquil demonstrations were sparked by a sudden intensification of attempts to detain migrants residing in the country unlawfully.
Incidents of violence, such as the incineration of autonomous taxis and the throwing of stones at law enforcement, are challenges that the 8,500 members of the Los Angeles Police Department have encountered previously.
Trump secured victory in the previous election, in part due to his pledges to address what he describes as an “invasion” of undocumented migrants.
In a bold move, he is capitalizing on the situation by directing the California National Guard to deploy, a decision that comes in direct defiance of Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections. This marks a significant moment, as it is the first time in decades that a US president has taken such action.
“We’re going to have a safe country,” he told reporters as he arrived in Washington for a performance of Les Miserables.
“We will not experience a situation similar to what occurred in Los Angeles.” “It is important to note that had I not been present, the situation in Los Angeles could have escalated to catastrophic levels.”
According to Scott Sherman, the deputy commanding general of Army North, who is overseeing the operations, approximately 1,000 of the 4,700 troops deployed by Trump are currently guarding facilities and collaborating with ICE agents.
According to him, the remainder, including 700 active-duty Marines, were either mustering or participating in training to address civil disturbances.
The Pentagon has announced that the deployment will incur a cost of $134 million for taxpayers.
Governor Newsom, a Democrat who is often speculated to be positioning himself for a 2028 presidential bid, has accused Trump of attempting to heighten the confrontation for his political advantage.
On Tuesday, he issued a stark warning regarding the unprecedented militarisation, suggesting it would extend beyond the borders of his state. He asserted that “democracy is under assault right before our eyes.”
On Thursday, attorneys representing California were anticipated to appear in court to request a ruling that would prevent military personnel from joining immigration officials during the apprehension of migrants.
Lawyers representing the Trump administration characterized the application as a “crass political stunt.”
Protests are escalating across the nation.
In the face of Trump’s warnings regarding the potential deployment of the National Guard to various Democratic-led states, protesters remained resolute and unshaken.
Protests have been observed in cities including St. Louis, Raleigh, Manhattan, Indianapolis, Spokane, and Denver.
In San Antonio, a significant crowd gathered and raised their voices near city hall, according to reports, as Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott mobilized the state’s National Guard.
A nationwide movement dubbed “No Kings” is anticipated on Saturday, coinciding with Trump’s attendance at an atypical military parade in the nation’s capital.
The parade, showcasing an array of warplanes and tanks, has been arranged to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the US Army, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.
‘Inflamed’ circumstances
The Trump administration characterizes the protests as a violent menace to national security, asserting the need for military intervention to bolster the efforts of immigration agents and law enforcement officials.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass asserted that the crisis was orchestrated in Washington.
“Just a week ago, the city of Los Angeles was experiencing a sense of tranquility,” she informed the press.
“Challenges emerged on Friday following a series of raids… which are identified as the root of the issues.”
“The White House was the catalyst for this situation.”
On Wednesday, the wave of arrests carried out by masked and armed individuals persisted.
A pastor from Downey, a suburb of Los Angeles, reported that five armed individuals in vehicles registered out of state abducted a Spanish-speaking man from the church’s parking lot.
Upon confronting the men and requesting their badge numbers and names, they declined to provide any information.
Lopez recounted the incident to KTLA, stating, “They did point their rifle at me and said, ‘You need to get back.'”
