Jun 08, Kathmandu - US President Donald Trump has decided to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after unrest spread during raids to find undocumented immigrants.

"We're going to make Los Angeles safe," Trump's border czar Tom Homan told Fox News on Saturday.

The California city remained tense and chaotic for a second day on Saturday after residents of a neighborhood primarily populated by Latino immigrants clashed with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Tear gas and batons were used to disperse crowds in the Paramount District.

How many arrests have been made so far?

118 people have been arrested in Los Angeles in one week during ICE operations. Out of that only 44 people were arrested on Friday.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids as "brutal."

Paramount has now largely calmed down, but clashes are still taking place between protesters and law enforcement officers.

Tear gas and smoke billowed outside a popular chain store selling building materials. It was the first time protests had started in that area.

County sheriffs in the city are firing flash bangs and tear gas every few minutes as they try to disperse the protesters.

Neighbors and protesters say many of the immigrants have barricaded themselves inside their stores and are afraid to come out.

What does the White House say?

The White House said in a press release, "In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE officers and federal law enforcement agents conducting basic immigration work in Los Angeles, California."

"These actions are necessary to stop the onslaught of illegal criminals in the United States and reverse the situation. In the face of such violent conditions, California's incompetent Democratic leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. That is why President Trump has signed an executive order deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to control the escalating lawlessness."

Homan, Trump's top border official, personally visited Los Angeles to observe ongoing ICE operations there.

Speaking there, he said, "We're mobilizing additional resources as we speak. We're bringing in the National Guard tonight. We're continuing our work."

He also warned of "zero tolerance" for any violence or damage to private property.

Federal officials issue stern warning

In a post on X, FBI Deputy Director Dan Banzino also issued a warning to protesters.

He wrote, "You cause chaos, we put handcuffs on. Law and order will prevail."

He also wrote that there had been "several arrests" after being "obstructed" in immigration enforcement.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote in the X that the department was “immediately deploying the National Guard to enforce federal law in Los Angeles.”

He warned that the Navy would be deployed if violence continued there and that they were on high alert.

What do Los Angeles officials say?

In a statement issued last Friday, Los Angeles Governor Newsom said, "The arbitrary, chaotic federal sweeps across California to meet arrest quotas are reckless and brutal."

"Donald Trump's anarchy is destroying trust, tearing families apart, and destroying the workers and industries that power America's economy."

Los Angeles Mayor Karyn Bass had previously accused ICE of "sowing terror" in America's second-largest city.

The heads of the FBI and Homeland Security have said the mayor's comments are putting federal agents at risk.

“Our communities are being attacked and terrorized,” Angelica Salas, who leads an immigrant rights coalition, said at a recent rally. “They are workers. They are fathers. They are mothers, and this has to stop.”

The US president has the authority to deploy the National Guard for certain purposes, such as “controlling riots.”

But on Saturday, California’s governor said the federal government’s move to “send the National Guard to California and deploy 2,000 troops” was “deliberately provocative” and “increasing tensions.”

"Los Angeles officials are ready to assist law enforcement on a moment's notice," he said.

Trump has lashed out at the governor on his social media handle Truth Social, saying the federal government will step in if Newsom and Bass don't do their jobs.

Trump wrote that "the rioting and looting must be dealt with at all costs."