President Donald Trump vowed Sunday night to bring back law and order in Los Angeles after a weekend of violent riots erupted over immigration raids. Protesters torched cars, clashed with federal officers, and tried to block deportation operations across the city.
Trump addressed the chaos in a series of Truth Social posts. He called the unrest “Migrant riots” and said he had already ordered his administration to take all necessary steps to restore control. Earlier that day, Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles following ICE-led raids, including one outside a Home Depot.
“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals. Now violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations — But these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve,” Trump posted.
He also announced that key cabinet members were now involved in the response effort. “I am directing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, in coordination with all other relevant Departments and Agencies, to take all such action necessary to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion, and put an end to these Migrant riots,” Trump wrote. “Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Trump didn’t hold back when it came to state and city leadership. He blasted Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass for failing to control the situation. “Governor Gavin Newscum and ‘Mayor’ Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they have done, and this now includes the ongoing L.A. riots,” he said. “These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists. Remember, NO MASKS!”
Newsom pushed back, blaming Trump for stoking unrest. He claimed Trump “manufactured chaos and violence” by sending in the Guard and escalating tensions rather than calming them.
Meanwhile, violence continued to rage on Sunday afternoon. Rioters hurled concrete and other objects at officers, torched vehicles and dumpsters, and even launched commercial-grade fireworks at police. “That can kill you,” warned LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.
Many in the crowd waved Mexican flags and blocked major roads and highways. The FBI has now offered a $50,000 reward for information on a suspect who injured a federal officer by throwing rocks during the chaos.
Law enforcement has arrested dozens so far, with many facing charges related to assault and vandalism. The LAPD declared an unlawful assembly in downtown Los Angeles Sunday night as officers moved in to clear the streets.