U.S. Border Patrol and protesters clash after a raid was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement near a Home Depot of illegal immigrants in Paramount, California on June 06, 2025.

President Donald Trump signed an order to deploy 2,000 members of the National Guard in response to immigration protests in Los Angeles, the White House said Saturday night.

Trump’s order comes amid continued clashes between demonstrators and federal agents executing immigration enforcement actions in L.A., which have led to more than 100 arrests.

“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

Leavitt told NBC News that Trump is federalizing part of California’s National Guard that would otherwise report to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Presidents have the authority to do so under limited circumstances.

Newsom slammed Trump’s move, calling it “purposefully inflammatory” and said it “will only escalate tensions.”

“LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice,” Newsom wrote on X. “We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.”

“This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust,” he said.

The White House on Saturday showed no signs that it was preparing to deescalate the situation.

On the contrary, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to deploy U.S. Marines in addition to the members of the National Guard.

“If violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert,” he posted on X.