>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
“In light of these incidents and credible threats of continued violence… I hereby call into Federal service members and units of the National Guard under 10 U.S.C. 12406,” Trump declared in a statement. He emphasized the urgent need to “protect ICE and other United States Government personnel who are performing Federal functions,” citing the enforcement of federal law and the safety of federal property as key priorities.
The president also authorized the Secretary of Defense to utilize any portion of the regular Armed Forces “as necessary to augment and support the protection of Federal functions and property.”
This move comes after shocking reports of rioters launching rocks at federal immigration officers in the Los Angeles suburb of Paramount. Some agents suffered serious injuries, and the violent confrontations reportedly caused multiple near-fatal vehicle crashes.
LAPD Spins While Streets Burn
Despite the rising violence, the Los Angeles Police Department released an eyebrow-raising statement describing the protests as “peaceful” and claiming the day concluded “without incident.” This narrative appeared tone-deaf, especially given the real-time footage of chaos unfolding in the streets.
Residents and conservative commentators blasted the city’s leadership for whitewashing the violence and dragging their feet on securing the city.
Meanwhile, National Guard personnel wasted no time establishing a presence. As early as Sunday morning, local outlets reported soldiers in full gear moving through downtown. “We’ve already seen a large, growing National Guard presence here in downtown LA,” ABC 7 Los Angeles confirmed.
ICE Arrests Surge, Federal Response Unrelenting
Amid the unrest, immigration enforcement operations continued at full steam. According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 2,000 illegal immigrants were taken into custody nationwide over the weekend. In Los Angeles alone, 118 were arrested—including known gang members and individuals with prior convictions for domestic violence, drug trafficking, and even child cruelty.
Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, made it clear that lawlessness would not deter federal agents.
“Federal law enforcement operations are proceeding as planned this weekend in Los Angeles County. I urge the public to refrain from interfering with these lawful actions,” he said. “Anyone who obstructs federal agents will face arrest and prosecution.”
Bass Doubled Down—and Got Burned
Mayor Bass’s insistence that the National Guard had not been deployed—despite abundant evidence to the contrary—has sparked questions about her awareness, credibility, and leadership.
Her comments followed a now-familiar pattern among blue-city mayors: downplaying violence, denying federal involvement, and embracing political theater over real security.
While President Trump took immediate, constitutionally-authorized action to restore order, LA officials appeared more concerned with managing optics than protecting citizens.
In a city reeling from violence and gripped by political confusion, the facts are hard to ignore: the National Guard is here, federal law is being enforced, and Mayor Karen Bass was the last one to realize it.
