Deployment of Federal Forces in the L.A. Protests of June 2025

The deployment of federal military forces to Los Angeles in response to ongoing immigration protests marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s domestic security approach. It is highly likely that the courts will allow this deployment to continue, reinforcing the president’s broad authority under existing legal frameworks. The move has already become a highly politicised issue further deepening polarisation between federal and state leaders. At present, there is insufficient evidence to confirm organised political or foreign coordination behind the protests, though community-led mobilisation and some disinformation attempts are evident.

On 6 June 2025, large-scale immigration raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles triggered widespread public protests. The raids, targeting immigrant communities and workplaces, have drew criticism for arresting non-criminal, employed individuals. Protests have since escalated, prompting President Trump to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines, bypassing state authority and raising legal challenges from California Governor Gavin Newsom. While much of Los Angeles remains calm, the federal response has intensified political tensions nationwide [source, source].

Image Sourced From: Cpl. Jaye Townsend