Paramount California— The Trump administration has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area, including Paramount, following violent clashes between protesters and federal agents during immigration enforcement operations.
Federal immigration raids targeting undocumented individuals triggered a wave of unrest across Los Angeles County, with Paramount emerging as a flashpoint. On Saturday, demonstrators gathered near a Home Depot on Alondra Boulevard—an area where day laborers often seek work—amid reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were operating in the vicinity.
Initially peaceful, the protest escalated rapidly. Demonstrators chanted “ICE go home” and “No justice, no peace,” but tensions intensified as flash-bang grenades were deployed and confrontations broke out. Protesters and federal agents clashed, with objects thrown at law enforcement and pepper spray used to disperse crowds. At least one protester and one federal agent sustained injuries.
By the evening, officials had declared the protest an unlawful assembly. Sheriff’s deputies blocked access to roads, while federal agents—including members of Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Marshals Service—attempted to restore order. Helicopter footage showed chaos as tear gas was fired into the crowd and protesters kicked at federal vehicles.
The unrest prompted a sharp federal response. Tom Homan, the administration’s “border czar,” confirmed that National Guard troops would be deployed to support immigration operations and maintain public safety. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move, calling it “purposefully inflammatory” and saying it could “escalate tensions” rather than reduce them.
“There is currently no unmet need,” Newsom said. “This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.”
Local officials voiced similar concerns. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that the city is still recovering from a recent natural disaster and warned that the federal operation could deepen community fear. “We’ve been in contact with Washington and law enforcement,” Bass said. “This is a difficult time for our city.”
Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons added that local authorities had no role in the raids and criticized the lack of communication from federal agencies. “Things are done on a whim. And that creates chaos and fear,” she said.
Despite conflicting reports, federal officials maintained that raids were lawful. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli urged the public not to interfere, warning that those obstructing agents would face arrest. Homeland Security officials claimed the arrested individuals included gang members, child sex offenders, and other serious offenders—though these claims remain unsubstantiated.
Protesters, however, viewed the operation as a direct threat to their community. In a city where over 80% of residents are Latino, many see the raids as discriminatory and heavy-handed. Some waved Mexican flags, others burned American ones in protest. Several attorneys reported being targeted with tear gas after requesting to see warrants.
Civil rights groups and immigration advocates have condemned the raids and troop deployment. Lindsay Toczylowski of Immigrant Defenders Law Center described the situation as “a frightening use of federal power against immigrant families.”
The FBI and federal law enforcement have vowed to continue reviewing footage to identify and arrest those involved in violent acts. “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino in a statement on X.
As the National Guard sets up in L.A., the Paramount community remains on edge, with many residents bracing for more federal operations in the days ahead.