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Summary
Kamala Harris condemned President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard during immigration protests in Los Angeles as a “dangerous escalation,” defending the demonstrations as “overwhelmingly peaceful.” She accused the administration of spreading fear and division through its immigration crackdown.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has spoken out against President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles amid escalating immigration protests. She called it a “dangerous escalation” and part of a “cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”
In a statement shared on her official X page on June 28, 2025, Kamala said she was “appalled” by scenes unfolding in her home state as immigration protests entered their third day of clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
“Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos,” she wrote. “In addition to the recent ICE raids in Southern California and across our nation, it is part of the Trump Administration’s cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”
Protests began last week in response to federal immigration enforcement operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). What started as demonstrations has grown into violent confrontations across parts of Los Angeles, including Paramount, involving rock-throwing, alleged Molotov cocktails, burning vehicles, and dozens of arrests.
At least 44 people have been arrested following clashes during ICE raids. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets after some protesters reportedly threw incendiary devices and blocked streets.
Kamala Harris reiterated her support for demonstrators, stating,
“I continue to support the millions of Americans who are standing up to protect our most fundamental rights and freedoms.”
President Trump’s activation of the National Guard, done through a presidential memorandum without Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval, marks the first time a president has bypassed a governor to deploy troops in a state since 1965. He claimed the move was necessary “to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.”
Kamala Harris pushed back strongly, saying the administration’s actions were not about public safety but about “stoking fear” in communities demanding dignity and due process.
