Trump defends deployment of National Guard to Los Angeles amid ongoing unrest

(NBC)- Violent unrest in downtown Los Angeles has entered its fourth day, prompting President Donald Trump to defend his controversial decision to deploy National Guard troops—despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

“We’re gonna have troops everywhere,” President Trump said. “We’re not gonna let this happen to our country. We’re not gonna let our country be torn apart.”

The protests were sparked by recent immigration raids that resulted in the arrest of roughly 150 migrants across the Los Angeles area. Demonstrations began peacefully but quickly turned violent, with protesters burning vehicles and hurling bottles and concrete at police. Governor Newsom expressed frustration over the federal response, saying many demonstrators were exploiting the situation and not participating peacefully.

“These kids on the car, folks that are taking advantage of this,” Newsom said. “These aren’t peaceful protesters, a lot of these folks.”

He also blamed the president for escalating tensions. “Donald Trump has created the conditions you see on your TV tonight,” Newsom added. “He’s exacerbated the conditions.”

Trump’s move to activate the state’s National Guard without the governor’s request is the first such action by a president since the Civil Rights era. The controversy has divided lawmakers in Washington. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) voiced concern: “My concern of course is that this inflames a situation, and that he is hell-bent on inflaming the situations.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), however, defended the administration’s approach: “One of our core principles is maintaining peace through strength. We do that on foreign affairs and domestic affairs as well. I don’t think that’s heavy-handed.”

The White House has also threatened to arrest any state or local officials who obstruct immigration enforcement efforts.