Protest in Los Angeles in the United States of America has escalated into full blown riots after police officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators on Sunday, June 8. The riot followed public opposition to the current arrest and possible deportation of migrants by US President, Donald Trump.
The unrest, now in its third day, was triggered by a sweeping immigration crackdown. On June 6, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed search warrants across multiple businesses in Los Angeles, arresting as many as 100 people, reported Associated Press.
Scene of riots in Los Angeles
Demonstrations erupted shortly after the arrival of nearly 300 federal troops, sparking anger and fear across the city. Protesters gathered downtown, near locations where individuals had been detained following earlier immigration raids.
US President Donald Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard over the objections of both the governor and the mayor.
California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly opposed the deployment of the National Guard. In a letter addressed to Trump, Newsom called the move a “serious breach of state sovereignty” and demanded the removal of the troops.
The letter followed Trump’s statement asserting that the deployment was necessary due to the failure of Democratic leaders to contain protests targeting immigration enforcement. The decision marks the first time in decades that a state’s National Guard has been activated without a request from the governor.
US President, Donald Trump
Despite the riots, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has vowed to continue the arrest and possible deportation of immigrants. In a statement, DHS said, “These violent activists won’t deter enforcement operations,” adding that those arrested had criminal records including drug trafficking, assault, robbery, and alien smuggling
