President Trump is demanding swift arrests and increased military presence as violent anti-ICE protests that began in Los Angeles spilled into San Francisco. The demonstrations, which escalated following recent federal immigration raids, have led to widespread property damage, injuries, and mass arrests.
Protesters in San Francisco set vehicles ablaze, blocked intersections, and clashed with police, resulting in injuries to officers and at least 60 arrests. Demonstrators, many masked, vandalized buildings and ignited fireworks during confrontations with law enforcement.
In response, Trump ordered federal troops to be placed on standby, reinforcing the already-deployed 2,000 National Guard members in Los Angeles. He urged authorities to arrest all masked individuals, calling them instigators of chaos.
Mayor Daniel Lurie condemned the violence while defending the right to protest. California’s governor, however, criticized the federal response, warning of potential overreach and promising legal action if necessary.
Defense officials said further deployments could occur if unrest continues, signaling a potential showdown between local leaders and the White House over how to handle the growing wave of immigration-related protests.