Today in Focus Trump deploys the national guard in LA – Today in Focus Extra
21 snips
Jun 9, 2025 
Chris Michael, the US breaking news editor for The Guardian, dives into Trump's surprising decision to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles amidst mounting protests against immigration enforcement. He explores the historical context of military interventions in civil unrest and critiques the implications for civil liberties. Michael also discusses the escalating tensions in the city, highlighting community fears and frustrations, and examines the political clash between Trump and California's governor on immigration issues.
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Raids Spark Initial Protests
- ICE conducted intense immigration raids in Los Angeles, detaining many people and sparking initial protests.
- The arrest of California's largest union president during protests escalated tensions further.
Unprecedented National Guard Deployment
- Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to LA bypassed the governor, breaking precedent.
- The last similar federal override occurred 60 years ago, protecting civil rights protesters in Alabama.
Authoritarian Overreach Insight
- Trump's National Guard order is both a political calculation and an authoritarian overreach.
- Using troops against Americans on US soil is illegal and poses a dangerous precedent.