The LAPD has reported 50 arrests amid escalating protests in Los Angeles, where officers have fired over 600 non-lethal rounds to manage the unrest. Demonstrators face serious charges, including attempted murder for allegedly using Molotov cocktails. In response to the protests against ICE, President Trump has deployed approximately 700 active-duty Marines and 2,000 National Guardsmen to assist law enforcement, citing threats to federal personnel. However, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell contends that local police have the expertise and resources to manage the situation without federal military assistance, arguing that additional forces could complicate efforts.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth justified the military deployment, stating the duty to protect federal law enforcement, especially in light of the city’s unrest. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal action as exacerbating the chaotic situation, claiming that the deployment was executed “illegally.” He announced plans to send an additional 800 state and local law enforcement officers to restore order.
The protests, characterized by violence and hostility, have seen police deploying tear gas against crowds and confronting protesters organized via handheld radios. Additionally, five LAPD officers and five police horses sustained minor injuries during the clashes. Mayor Karen Bass supported Newsom’s stance, highlighting the effective response of local law enforcement despite the federal government’s involvement. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the ongoing confrontations in the city.
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