Kamala Harris denounced the Trump administration’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles during protests against immigration raids, calling it a “dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos” and part of a broader “cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”
The former vice president and ex-California attorney general issued a sharp rebuke after 2,000 troops were sent to the city under a presidential order, bypassing state authority and intensifying already volatile demonstrations.
“This is not about public safety — they’re about stoking fear,” Harris said, accusing the administration of targeting immigrant communities and undermining civil liberties.
My statement on what's unfolding in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/rujs8mrVPK
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 8, 2025
Her comments arrived as tensions flared across Los Angeles, where protests erupted in response to surprise ICE operations.
Demonstrators blocked streets in neighborhoods like Paramount and downtown, clashing with law enforcement who used tear gas and flash bangs to break up crowds.
The LAPD’s use of force drew international attention after Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck in the leg by a rubber bullet while reporting live outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre on Sunday (June 8).
WATCH: “You just f*cking shot the press!”
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) June 9, 2025
Australian Journalist @LaurenTomasi shot by LAPD with rubber bullets live on air.
You can see him take aim directly at her. Insane. pic.twitter.com/r22X7m1rBo
Kamala Harris Defends “Overwhelmingly Peaceful” Protests
Kamala Harris stood firmly with the protesters, describing their actions as “overwhelmingly peaceful” and “a powerful tool” for justice.
“I continue to support millions of Americans who are standing up to protect our most fundamental rights and freedoms,” she said, echoing support from the LAPD, Mayor, and Governor Gavin Newsom.
The deployment, authorized under Title 10, placed the National Guard under federal control, a move California’s governor blasted as “unlawful” and “an abuse of power.” Newsom announced plans to challenge the order in court.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Governors Association, representing all 23 Democratic state leaders, released a joint statement Sunday (June 8) calling the federalization of California’s Guard “an alarming abuse of power.”
The White House defended the decision, citing the need to “address lawlessness” and protect federal assets.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that active-duty Marines could be called in if unrest escalated.
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