Trump deploys the national guard in LA – Today in Focus Extra

This episode of Today in Focus covers the recent protests in Los Angeles, sparked by ICE immigration raids that led to detentions and unrest among community members concerned for their friends and family. Protests began small, with a few dozen participants, but escalated over the weekend as rumors of further raids circulated, especially in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Law enforcement's heavy-handed response incited more protests, leading to Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to send in the National Guard.

Trump bypassed California Governor Gavin Newsom, utilizing federal power to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the streets of LA. This action is considered unprecedented and controversial, with historical comparisons drawn to past events where troops were deployed at the request of governors. The episode notes how sending in the National Guard could further inflame tensions, despite the protests being mostly peaceful. Local authorities were said to have declared downtown LA a no-go zone for demonstrations, adding to the tense atmosphere.

The discussions also touch on the political implications of Trump's actions, with notable reactions from both California's officials and national figures, including Bernie Sanders condemning Trump's move as authoritarian. The situation is characterized as a potential tinderbox that could lead to ongoing protests, with future demonstrations already planned. The episode concludes by hinting at possible legal battles that may arise between the state of California and the federal government as the situation develops.