National Guard arrives in L.A. after Trump orders deployment to contain immigration protests

California National Guard troops started arriving in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, hours after President Donald Trump signed an order to deploy 2,000 service members in response to immigration protests in Los Angeles.

“Elements of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the California National Guard have begun deploying to the Los Angeles area, with some already on the ground,” U.S. Northern Command wrote on X.

Trump’s order, announced by the White House Saturday night, comes amid continued clashes between demonstrators and federal agents executing immigration enforcement actions in L.A., which have led to more than 100 arrests. 

“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

Leavitt told NBC News that Trump is federalizing part of California’s National Guard that would otherwise report to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Presidents have the authority to do so under limited circumstances.

Newsom slammed Trump’s move, calling it “purposefully inflammatory” and said it “will only escalate tensions.”

“LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice,” Newsom wrote on X. “We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.”

“This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust,” he said.

Trump and Newsom spoke on Friday for approximately 40 minutes, a spokesperson confirmed to CNBC.

The White House on Saturday showed no signs that it was preparing to de-escalate the situation.

On the contrary, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to deploy U.S. Marines in addition to the members of the National Guard.

“If violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert,” he posted on X.

Trump on Truth Social early Sunday morning wrote, “great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest.”

His post came before the troops he ordered officially arrived in the area.