In a forceful statement issued on Sunday, former Vice President Kamala Harris defended what she described as “largely peaceful demonstrations” in California, her home state, while sharply criticizing President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard forces, calling it both a “dangerous overreach” and “cruel tactic” amid a third straight day of unrest involving demonstrators and police.
Background: Protests Ignite Over Immigration Crackdowns
The wave of protests, which began earlier last week in response to intensified federal immigration enforcement by ICE, has evolved into repeated clashes across Los Angeles. The confrontations have included allegations of Molotov cocktails, rock-throwing, torched vehicles, and widespread arrests in multiple neighborhoods.
Newsweek contacted representatives from Harris’s office and the White House for comment as the situation unfolded Sunday night.
Why the Situation Is Escalating
Trump’s administration recently vowed to carry out what it calls the largest deportation initiative in U.S. history, which has already seen ICE agents conducting aggressive operations. Notably, some of these raids have reportedly included the detainment of individuals with legal residency or valid documentation.
On Saturday, Trump announced he had authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following reported assaults on ICE officers. While federal authorities insist their actions follow legal protocols, immigration advocates have expressed outrage, especially after claims surfaced that some detainees were being held in a basement of a federal facility—allegations ICE strongly denies.
This standoff has become symbolic of the broader friction between sanctuary jurisdictions and increasingly hardline federal immigration policy under Trump, who has invoked tools like the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand his administration’s reach.
What We Know So Far
Violent clashes erupted Friday in parts of Los Angeles, including Paramount, where ICE raids led to the arrest of at least 44 people. Protesters reportedly threw incendiary objects at officers and set fire to vehicles. In response, law enforcement used tear gas and rubber bullets in prolonged standoffs.
Kamala Harris Responds
In a message posted to X (formerly Twitter), Harris stated:
“Los Angeles is where I was born and raised, and what’s happening now is heartbreaking. Bringing in the National Guard only escalates the crisis and sows more division. These actions are part of a deeply intentional agenda by this administration to spread fear.”
She continued:
“This isn’t about protecting communities—it’s about fueling chaos and suppressing voices. Protest is a fundamental right in our democracy. And as local leaders have said, the vast majority of people in the streets are demonstrating peacefully. I stand with them in their fight for justice and human dignity.”
Unlike Mayor Karen Bass, Harris’s remarks did not specifically condemn the violence tied to the demonstrations. Bass, on the other hand, posted a statement emphasizing:
“While peaceful protest will always be protected, destruction and violence will not be tolerated in our city.”
Governor Newsom Joins the Backlash
California Governor Gavin Newsom also took to X to voice his opposition to the troop deployment, declaring:
“I have officially asked the Trump administration to rescind the federalization of California’s National Guard. This is a violation of our state’s authority and is only inflaming the situation.”
Trump Fires Back
President Trump, writing on Truth Social, responded bluntly:
“If Governor Newscum and Mayor Bass can’t do their jobs—and clearly they can’t—then the federal government will handle the RIOTS and LOOTING the right way!”
Military Confirms Troop Mobilization
A statement from U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 2,000 National Guard soldiers had been placed under Title 10 federal command and were tasked with protecting federal personnel and assets in the greater Los Angeles area.
What Comes Next
While the total number of arrests remains unclear, legal proceedings for those detained are expected to begin early this week. The Los Angeles Police Department has declared multiple unlawful assemblies and continues to operate under tactical alert, coordinating efforts with federal forces.
As tensions continue to rise, public figures and officials remain deeply divided over how to respond. With social media fueling both protest and political messaging, the national spotlight is now fixed firmly on Los Angeles—and what happens next may shape the national conversation for weeks to come.