Los Angeles Police-Protester Clashes: Trump Bans Masks at Demonstrations

Last Friday and Saturday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies conducted raids targeting undocumented immigrants in the Los Angeles area, clashing with outraged protesters. On Saturday, President Trump bypassed California’s governor, ordering 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell demonstrations. Early Sunday, he posted on social media, banning masks at protests.

The raids are part of Trump’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The most intense clashes occurred Saturday in Paramount, a Latino-heavy city 30 kilometers south of downtown Los Angeles. Outside an industrial park, hundreds of riot-geared Border Patrol agents, wearing gas masks, faced off with hundreds of local protesters. Authorities deployed tear gas and flashbangs, while protesters hurled rocks and water bottles in retaliation.

DHS Labels Protesters “Mobs”

On Friday, ICE raided at least seven locations in Los Angeles, arresting 44 individuals. The operations triggered widespread street confrontations, chaos, and clashes. At a garment warehouse, crowds attempted to block federal agents from leaving. That evening, protesters gathered outside a federal detention center in Los Angeles, chanting, “Free them, let them stay!”

Homeland Security Secretary Nome posted on social media Saturday, labeling protesters “mobs” and warning that obstructing federal enforcement would lead to arrests and prosecutions. She affirmed ICE would continue aggressive operations targeting undocumented immigrants in Southern California.

A White House spokesperson said Trump signed a memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to address recent “lawless and violent” incidents. She blamed “incompetent Democrat leaders in California” for the unrest.

Trump, on Saturday, derided California Governor Newsom as “Garbage Newsom” on social media, stating, “If Governor ‘Garbage’ and Los Angeles Mayor Bass cannot do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, the Federal Government will step in and handle the riots and looting the way it needs to be done!!!” He added, “These radical left protests, driven by agitators and often bribed troublemakers, will not be tolerated. Also, effective immediately, no masks are allowed at protests. What do these people have to hide, and why?” He concluded, “Thank you again to the National Guard for their outstanding work!”

Newsom: Escalating Tensions

Defense Secretary Hegseth said Marine Corps units at Camp Pendleton in Southern California might receive mobilization orders, with troops on high alert. Governor Newsom swiftly responded, accusing the federal government of attempting to “take over California’s National Guard,” calling it a “deliberate provocation” that would “further escalate tensions.” Los Angeles, the second-most populous U.S. city, is one of the nation’s most diverse metropolises. Paramount, with about 50,000 residents, is 82% Hispanic or Latino.