Thousands of anti‑ICE demonstrators flooded Los Angeles streets following federal immigration raids, breaching the 101 Freeway on June 8. Video shows cars stalled amid a mass of protestors hurling objects and igniting fires. The California Highway Patrol, backed by police and federal officers, deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash‑bangs to clear the freeway. Several self‑driving Waymo vehicles were set ablaze during the chaos.
President Trump responded by federalizing 2,000 California National Guard troops under Title 10 and placing 500 active-duty Marines on alert at Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Northern Command confirmed the military is prepared to reinforce operations if needed to protect federal personnel and infrastructure.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass condemned the deployment as an overreach that violated state sovereignty. They, along with other Democrats, called the move inflammatory and urged federal forces to withdraw. Trump defended his decision, saying it addresses violence and restores order, while conservative leaders stress that federal authority must be upheld when local officials falter.
The confrontation spotlights a high-stakes showdown over law enforcement, federal power, and public safety. With violent protestors disrupting critical infrastructure and federal forces mobilized in response, conservative leaders warn against unchecked unrest, urging vigorous enforcement and respect for constitutional authority.
