KQED's Forum Trump Deploys National Guard Troops to Los Angeles
Jun 9, 2025
Saul Gonzalez, co-host of The California Report, discusses the National Guard's deployment in LA amid protests against ICE raids. Ahilan Arulanantham, a UCLA law professor, shares insights on the legal implications of this controversial move. Gustavo Solis, an investigative border reporter, highlights the impact of ICE enforcement on immigrant communities. Together, they explore reactions to the military presence, California's legal challenges against the Trump administration, and the evolving landscape of immigration policy amid civil unrest.
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ICE Raids Spark LA Protests
- Federal ICE raids in immigrant neighborhoods sparked mass protests in Los Angeles.
- Protesters clashed with law enforcement using tear gas and rubber bullets around federal buildings and businesses.
Guard's Limited Role in Clashes
- National Guard troops mainly stood guard symbolically outside federal facilities.
- Actual clashes involved federal law enforcement and local police confronting protesters, sometimes forcefully.
Legal Limits on Guard Deployment
- The president can deploy the National Guard only in cases of invasion or rebellion.
- Current LA deployment against governor's wishes raises serious legal and constitutional questions.