Gavin Newsom says President Trump 'trying to provoke chaos' by sending 4,000 soldiers onto American soil
California Governor Gavin Newsom said Monday that US President Donald Trump will deploy an additional 2,000 National Guard troops in response to immigration protests in Los Angeles.
"I was just informed Trump is deploying another 2,000 Guard troops to L.A.," Newsom said on X.
On Saturday, Trump signed a memo invoking his authority to deploy a minimum of 2,000 National Guard troops to the city after confrontations between immigration officials and protesters.
"The first 2,000? Given no food or water. Only approx. 300 are deployed — the rest are sitting, unused, in federal buildings without orders.
"This isn't about public safety. It's about stroking a dangerous President's ego. This is Reckless. Pointless. And Disrespectful to our troops," Newsom said.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that the department will send an additional 2,000 Guard troops.
"At the order of the President, the Department of Defense is mobilizing an additional 2,000 California National Guard to be called into federal service to support ICE & to enable federal law-enforcement officers to safely conduct their duties," Parnell said on X.
US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) said Monday that it will send 700 Marines to Los Angeles to help the National Guard respond to immigration protests.
"Due to increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings, approximately 700 active-duty U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton are being deployed to Los Angeles to restore order," said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Later, Newsom said Trump is "trying to provoke chaos" by sending 4,000 soldiers onto American soil.
"LA: Your voice matters," he said.
"Foolish agitators who take advantage of Trump's chaos will be held accountable. Stay safe. Stay calm. Look out for one another."
Newsom on Monday announced a lawsuit against Trump, saying that the president's deployment of the National Guard was "illegal" and violated state sovereignty.
"We are suing Donald Trump. This is a manufactured crisis," he wrote on X. "He is creating fear and terror to take over a state militia and violate the US constitution."
The protests began last Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided local businesses and detained hundreds of people suspected of living in the US illegally.
The Trump administration said the ICE raids will continue as part of the president's plan to crack down on illegal immigration.
