Protests broke out in the city on Friday in response to a wave of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting illegal immigrants. Violence escalated on Saturday, prompting President Donald Trump to sign a presidential memorandum taking command of 2,000 National Guard members and deploying them to the city.
A law enforcement officer works to put out a fire during a protest in Compton, California, Saturday, June 7, 2025, after federal immigration authorities conducted operations. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Hegseth expressed support for the order on Saturday night, saying the riots and attacks on ICE facilities represented a national security threat. He then announced that Marines in nearby Camp Pendleton could also be deployed if the violence continued.
“The @DeptofDefense is mobilizing the National Guard
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