After the recent detainment of dozens of people, Los Angeles citizens took to the streets in protest. Trump responded by sending national guard officers to the scene–a move that has provoked much controversy.
On Friday, June 6, a protesting crowd formed in LA’s Fashion District after Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents arrived at an apparel manufacturer. As the day progressed, hundreds of people gathered outside the Los Angeles Federal Building urging immigration raids to cease. Eventually, the Los Angeles Police Department dispersed the crowds.
On Saturday morning, fights broke out in downtown LA, with people kicking and throwing objects at police vehicles. Officers ordered protestors to leave or face arrest and then deployed tear gas canisters at the crowd.
Around 6 p.m. President Donald Trump sent 2,000 national guard officers to protect the officers carrying out immigration operations, despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s objections.
On Sunday, the protests and backlash from officers continued. One of the main topics of discourse, however, is President Trump’s involvement.
Newsom, who did not call in help from the federal government said that Trump’s move was, “purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.”
It was the first time in 60 years that a president has deployed national troops without the governor’s request. Although President Trump is within his right to do so, this move seems to be a dangerous and unnecessary abuse of power.
Without the request of Newsom, it is difficult to validate Trump’s reasoning to do this without reducing it to a display of power. It signals a willingness to navigate around the democratic process, and shows an authoritarian force at play.
It seems to show that Trump does not care that this action will aggravate tensions, only if his political agenda is advanced. Trump wanted to send a message. One that shows his power supersedes local governance if his political agenda is threatened.
By bypassing Newsom’s wishes and elevating an already charged situation, Trump showed the U.S. public that safety is not his priority–power is. Speaking out against his political objectives will not be tolerated and will be met with force.
