Tensions escalated in downtown Los Angeles after US President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops to confront demonstrators protesting against sweeping immigration raids.
Security forces fired tear gas, flash bangs, and rubber bullets near the Edward R Roybal Federal Building, the Metropolitan Detention Centre, and the 101 Freeway.
The clashes marked the third consecutive day of unrest following the administration’s intensified immigration crackdown, which has seen dozens of undocumented migrants detained across the city.
One demonstrator was seen waving a Mexican flag as smoke billowed from a burning Waymo self-driving vehicle, and another nearby was heavily vandalised. Protesters also blocked traffic along the 101, a major artery through downtown, while some clashed directly with mounted LAPD officers.
The move sparked immediate backlash from California’s Democratic leadership. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as unconstitutional and vowed legal action after the White House rejected his formal request to rescind the order.
“These are the acts of a dictator, not a president,” Newsom said in an MSNBC interview, accusing Trump of “manufacturing a crisis” and violating state sovereignty.
Australian journalist among those injured
Amid the chaos, Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi of Nine News was struck by a rubber bullet while filming a live report. The incident, captured on video, showed an officer firing directly in the direction of Tomasi and her crew as police advanced on protesters.
“You just fucking shot the reporter!” a bystander can be heard shouting, as Tomasi grabbed her leg in pain. Despite the injury, she later confirmed she was not seriously hurt, saying, “I’m good.”
Over 100 arrested across California
In addition to the arrests made in Los Angeles—where police said at least 10 people were detained Sunday—San Francisco saw further unrest. Authorities there declared an unlawful assembly and arrested around 60 people after some demonstrators turned violent, allegedly assaulting officers and damaging property.
Protests were sparked by aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sweeps reportedly targeting up to 3,000 migrants per day under a new federal directive. Critics, including immigrant rights groups and local leaders, say legal residents and permanent visa holders have also been caught up in the detentions.
Vanessa Cárdenas, head of America’s Voice, accused the administration of “deliberately stoking confrontation” and using immigration enforcement as a political weapon.
Legal questions over deployment
Trump’s justification for the National Guard deployment rests on Title 10 of the US Code, which allows federal activation in cases of rebellion or federal threats. But legal experts point out that Title 10 also requires orders to be issued through state governors—something Newsom did not authorise.
So far, US Northern Command has confirmed that 300 Guard members are active at three sites in Los Angeles, with a further 500 Marines on standby at Camp Pendleton. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon was prepared to escalate if violence continues.
Mexico condemns US actions
The raids and resulting violence also drew condemnation from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said immigration challenges “cannot be resolved through force.”
“The phenomenon will not be addressed with raids or violence,” Sheinbaum said. “It will be by sitting down and working on comprehensive reform.”
Despite growing pressure at home and abroad, President Trump has not invoked the Insurrection Act, a move that would allow him to deploy active-duty military forces. Asked on Sunday whether he was considering that step, Trump replied, “It depends on whether or not there’s an insurrection.”
