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Political divide widens as Trump deploys National Guard to Los Angeles
"Important to remember that Trump isn't trying to heal or keep the peace. He is looking to inflame and divide," Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said in one of the most direct rebukes.
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Law enforcement deploy on the 101 Freeway as clashes erupt with demonstrators in the streets around the federal building during a protest sparked by federal immigration operations in Los Angeles, California, on June 8, 2025. (AFP/Etienne Laurent)
R
epublicans and Democrats traded barbs on Sunday after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles amid massive protests against increasing and divisive immigration raids.
"Important to remember that Trump isn't trying to heal or keep the peace. He is looking to inflame and divide," Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said in one of the most direct rebukes.
"His movement doesn't believe in democracy or protest - and if they get a chance to end the rule of law they will take it."
Democratic Senator Cory Booker condemned Trump for deploying troops without California's approval, warning it would only escalate tensions. On NBC's "Meet the Press" he accused Trump of hypocrisy, and noted the president's inaction on January 6, 2021 when thousands of his supporters raided the US Capitol and his subsequent pardons for those arrested.
Footage showed at least a half dozen military-style vehicles and riot shields on Sunday at the federal building in Los Angeles with federal law enforcement firing gas canisters to disperse demonstrators protesting against the ICE crackdown.
Demonstrators torched cars and scuffled with security forces in Los Angeles on Sunday as police kept protestors away from the National Guard troops President Donald Trump sent to the streets of the second biggest US city.
Unrest broke out for a third day, with protestors angry at action by immigration officials that have resulted in dozens of arrests of what authorities say are illegal migrants and gang members.
The raids -- which began in broad daylight in a city with a large Latino population -- were always likely to spark reaction among the public in the liberal city.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Trump sparred over the protests, with Newsom condemning the federal response as an overreach, saying Trump wants "a spectacle," while the president accused Newsom of failing to maintain order.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday defended Trump's decision and said he had no concern about the National Guard deployment, adding, "One of our core principles is maintaining peace through strength. We do that in foreign affairs and domestic affairs as well. I don't think that's heavy handed."
Republican Senator James Lankford said Trump is trying to de-escalate tensions, pointing to scenes of protesters throwing objects at law enforcement.
He recalled similar unrest in 2020 in Seattle and Portland, where National Guard backed local law enforcement amid racial justice protests.
The protests against the raids have become the latest focal point in a national debate over immigration, protest rights, and the use of federal force in domestic affairs. It also has fueled discussion on the boundaries of presidential power and the public's right to dissent.
