Tensions escalated sharply in Los Angeles over the weekend as former President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard troops in response to widespread immigration protests, claiming state officials have failed to maintain order.

The decision followed a volatile clash on Saturday between demonstrators and local law enforcement, who used tear gas, stun guns, and riot shields to break up large crowds protesting federal immigration policies.

California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed the federal deployment, expressing concern over the move and reaffirming the state’s ability to handle the situation independently.

“The Trump administration is deploying approximately 2,000 soldiers to Los Angeles,” Newsom said, following reports of increasing federal pressure.

Trump, who has remained vocally critical of California’s progressive stance on immigration, claimed the state’s leadership was “ineffective” in handling the civil unrest.

“State officials have lost control,” Trump said in a statement. “We cannot allow lawlessness to continue while they refuse to act. The National Guard will restore order.”

The protests, which erupted in response to recent immigration enforcement actions and proposed policy changes, drew thousands into the streets of LA, with demonstrators calling for humane immigration reform and an end to what they described as “federal overreach.”

Civil rights groups and immigrant advocacy organizations have condemned both the police response and Trump’s decision to deploy federal troops, calling it an escalation that risks further inflaming tensions.