The situation unfolding in Los Angeles has taken a sharp and controversial turn, as former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning against protesters allegedly spitting on police and military personnel, saying they would be “hit very hard” in response. His remarks come amid rising tensions over immigration raids carried out by ICE, which sparked widespread demonstrations in the city.
What Happened:
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Protests erupted in Los Angeles after ICE conducted immigration raids, prompting activists to march from Mariachi Plaza to a federal detention center, chanting slogans like “ICE out of LA.”
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In response, Trump deployed over 2,000 National Guard troops, citing escalating unrest. He defended the decision before boarding Air Force One in New Jersey.
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Trump claimed spitting on officers has become “their new thing” and declared: “They spit, we hit.”
Key Developments:
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National Guard troops reportedly used tear gas and pepper balls without warning, as per on-the-ground footage and eyewitnesses.
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27 protesters were arrested Saturday for failing to comply with dispersal orders, according to LAPD spokesperson Norma Eisenman.
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Vice President JD Vance called the demonstrations a “violent insurrection,” and White House aide Stephen Miller echoed that sentiment.
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Despite the rhetoric, Trump has not yet invoked the Insurrection Act, a law from 1807 that would allow active military deployment on U.S. soil.
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However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Marines at Camp Pendleton are now on high alert, indicating potential escalation if protests persist.
The Political Undertones:
This confrontation reveals an intensifying clash between federal immigration enforcement and local resistance, now framed in national security terms by the administration. The choice of words—“insurrection,” “very hard hit,” “spitting as a tactic”—suggests the government is preparing to justify broader use of force, even hinting at military deployment.
What to Watch For:
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Whether Trump officially invokes the Insurrection Act, triggering constitutional and legal debates.
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Footage and testimonies around the National Guard’s use of force could reignite civil liberties concerns.
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How local California leaders (e.g., Governor Gavin Newsom, LA Mayor Karen Bass) respond—either in resistance or cooperation with federal directives.
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The possible political ripple effects ahead of the 2026 midterms, as immigration and law enforcement become renewed flashpoints in national debate.
This unfolding episode reflects a broader pattern of aggressive federal responses to civil unrest—especially around immigration—and could become a defining moment in how domestic protest and dissent are treated in the post-Trump era of U.S. politics.
