What began as political posturing turned to unmistakable reality within hours. On Sunday morning, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared to the public that National Guard units had not been deployed in her city. But by midday, live footage told a different story: armored vehicles, riot-ready Guardsmen, and a growing military footprint staging on Alameda Street—right in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
The disconnect between rhetoric and reality has never been more jarring.
Just two days into violent anti-ICE protests marked by attacks on federal agents, firebombed vehicles, and street blockades, President Donald Trump invoked 10 U.S.C. § 12406, federalizing the California National Guard after state and local officials failed to regain control. His order calls for units to protect ICE officers, secure federal property, and assist in law enforcement operations where “threats are credible and ongoing.”
“In light of these incidents and credible threats of continued violence… I hereby call into Federal service members and units of the National Guard… to protect ICE and other United States Government personnel,” Trump stated.
His order includes a minimum 60-day deployment, though the Secretary of Defense retains authority to extend or expand it—including using active-duty military if needed.
Despite the presidential directive—and despite growing footage of Guard units deploying across Los Angeles—Mayor Bass stood by her Sunday morning claim:
“Just to be clear, the National Guard has not been deployed in the City of Los Angeles.”
It didn’t take long for that statement to unravel. ABC 7 Los Angeles broadcast live reports of a “large, growing National Guard presence” and multiple armored vehicles posted near upcoming protest zones.
The mayor’s credibility took a serious blow, especially after the LAPD issued a bizarre statement Saturday night praising “peaceful protests” just hours after violent mobs in Paramount launched projectiles at ICE agents, injuring several and causing multiple near-fatal vehicle crashes.
Amid the unrest, ICE operations continued undeterred. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 118 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Los Angeles alone this weekend. Among them:
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Five known gang members
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Individuals with prior convictions for domestic violence, child cruelty, drug trafficking, robbery, assault, and alien smuggling
Nationwide, more than 2,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended over the same period.
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, made it clear that interference with federal operations will be met with consequences:
“Anyone who obstructs federal agents will face arrest and prosecution.”
