- Protests Spread Across U.S. Over Trump’s Immigration.
- Troops deployed, curfew enforced, but demonstrations continue in defiance of federal orders.
- Newsom accuses Trump of escalating tensions for political advantage ahead of elections.
Protests over President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration policies continued across the U.S. on Wednesday, even as federal forces cracked down in Los Angeles and the White House warned of “heavy force” if unrest persists.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in Los Angeles—the epicenter of the protests—an overnight curfew kept most people off the streets, though police arrested about 25 individuals who defied the order. Troops and ICE agents patrolled government buildings, while businesses boarded up to prevent damage. The city remained largely calm during the day.
“Our city isn’t burning, as our terrible leader claims,” said protester Lynn Sturgis, 66, a retired school teacher, speaking to AFP.
Trump deployed 4,700 troops to Los Angeles, including 1,000 already active and 700 Marines undergoing civil disturbance training, according to Deputy Commanding General Army North, Scott Sherman. The Pentagon estimates the deployment will cost taxpayers $134 million.
The protests erupted following an aggressive federal immigration operation targeting undocumented migrants. Though largely peaceful, some protests turned violent, with demonstrators burning self-driving taxis and clashing with police, prompting the use of tear gas and other crowd-control tactics.
Despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, Trump ordered the California National Guard into Los Angeles—the first such presidential move in decades. Trump defended the decision on social media, claiming, “If our troops didn’t go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground.”
The White House echoed that sentiment. “President Trump will never allow mob rule to prevail in America,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Governor Newsom accused Trump of exploiting the crisis for political gain. “Democracy is under assault before our eyes,” he warned in a televised address, adding, “California may be first, but it clearly won’t end here.”
