President Trump asserted that the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles was crucial for maintaining peace amid immigration protests, stating that without them the city would descend into chaos. However, the local law enforcement officials, including the LAPD chief, countered this narrative by affirming their capability in managing protests, highlighting their extensive experience. The recent demonstrations arose from federal immigration raids, showcasing the ongoing tension between federal authorities and local officials regarding the response to immigrant rights protests.
"If we didn't send in the National Guard quickly, right now Los Angeles would be burning to the ground," Trump said Tuesday in remarks at the White House.
"The Los Angeles Police Department, alongside our mutual aid partners, have decades of experience managing large-scale public demonstrations, and we remain confident in our ability to do so professionally and effectively," Jim McDonnell, the LAPD chief, said in a statement about the Marine deployment.
The Trump administration has portrayed the country's second-biggest city as besieged and its leaders unable to properly respond, and ordered National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the area.
Protests began last week after the Trump administration carried out a series of raids in the Los Angeles area, which is home to a large immigrant population, including many people who are undocumented.
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