'They spit, we hit': Trump says LA 'invaded and occupied' by illegal migrants, orders 'to set it free'

'They spit, we hit': Trump says LA 'invaded and occupied' by illegal migrants, orders 'to set it free'

FP News Desk June 9, 2025, 05:32:46 IST

Violent protests over immigration enforcement shook Los Angeles over the weekend, prompting a strong federal response. President Trump vowed to “liberate” the city from a “migrant invasion” and restore order.

read more
Advertisement
'They spit, we hit': Trump says LA 'invaded and occupied' by illegal migrants, orders 'to set it free'
'They spit, we hit': Trump says LA 'invaded and occupied' by illegal migrants, orders 'to set it free'. Image: AFP

US President Donald Trump has pledged to "liberate Los Angeles from the migrant invasion" following violent clashes between the state National Guard and anti-immigration enforcement protesters.

In a post on Truth Social, the Trump  said “the illegals will be expelled” and the city would be “set free,” as troops used tear gas and less-lethal weapons to break up crowds in downtown LA.

“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals,” the US President wrote. “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."

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Trump said that he is 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.

“Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Tensions rose throughout Sunday, continuing from the unrest the night before. Images showed vehicles burning and protesters throwing fireworks at armed, helmeted officers.

Police and protesters faced off outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown LA, where buildings were spray-painted with slogans like “f****** ICE” and “f****** LAPD.” By Sunday afternoon, the LAPD put the city on “tactical alert.”

Later, police declared an unlawful assembly in part of the city, issued a dispersal order, and began making arrests.

Trump deploys 2,000 National Guards

Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guards on Saturday to respond to growing protests over immigration raids in the Los Angeles area – a move the state governor called “deliberately provocative.”

Federal agents reportedly clashed with protesters for a second night in the LA suburb of Paramount, firing flash-bang grenades and closing part of a freeway during raids targeting undocumented migrants. Demonstrators had gathered near a Home Depot, which was being used as a staging site by immigration officials, according to Fox 11.

Tear gas, rubber bullets fired at protesters

Law enforcement agencies fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters in downtown Los Angeles as demonstrations over federal immigration raids continued through the weekend.

The protests began Friday and spread to Latino-majority areas like Paramount and Compton by Saturday. By Sunday, hundreds had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Centre, where detainees from the raids were being held, chanting “shame” and “go home” at National Guard troops with riot gear.

The unrest was sparked by large-scale immigration raids that started late Friday. Crowds also gathered outside the federal building and near a Home Depot in Paramount, where raids were reportedly ongoing.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Tensions escalated when some protesters threw objects at officers, leading the LAPD to declare an unlawful assembly. Riot police used tear gas, flash-bangs, and other crowd-control weapons as demonstrators later moved to block the 101 freeway.

End of Article
Latest News
Find us on YouTube
Subscribe
End of Article

Top Shows

Vantage Firstpost America Firstpost Africa First Sports

QUICK LINKS