During a speech at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, President Donald Trump strongly denounced the ongoing protests in Los Angeles, calling them “a full-scale attack on peace, public order, and national sovereignty.”

The President’s comments follow recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles, which led to the detention of several undocumented immigrants and ignited widespread protests across the city.

In his address, Trump painted a grim picture of Los Angeles, describing it as overrun by “transnational gangs” and a “dumping ground” due to what he labeled as failed local governance. He directly blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, accusing them of “gross incompetence.” Trump further alleged—without evidence—that both officials were supporting or funding individuals involved in the unrest, including so-called “agitators” and “insurrectionists.” He also claimed that protest leaders were calling for the withdrawal of ICE and a halt to federal immigration enforcement in the area.

Adopting a hardline position, Trump announced that he would collaborate with U.S. Senators to introduce legislation enforcing a mandatory one-year prison term for those convicted of burning the American flag. He characterized the demonstrators as “professional protestors,” insinuating—again without proof—that they were being financially backed by unknown sources.

In response to the protests, the Trump administration has authorized a significant increase in military presence. The Department of Defense confirmed the deployment of an additional 2,000 California National Guard troops, bringing the total to 4,000. Alongside them, 700 Marines have also been stationed in Los Angeles to assist ICE and federal agents in securing federal buildings and restoring public order.

Trump justified the deployment by stating it was essential to protect “law-abiding citizens” and uphold the “nation’s integrity.” However, the federal intervention has sparked strong opposition from state and local leaders.

Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass have accused the President of overreaching federal authority and escalating the crisis for political advantage. In response to increasing tensions and sporadic incidents of violence and looting after dark, Mayor Bass has imposed a night-time curfew in downtown Los Angeles. State officials maintain that the majority of the protests have remained peaceful.

Meanwhile, California’s state government has filed a legal challenge against the constitutionality of the troop deployment. Law enforcement agencies have resorted to using non-lethal crowd control tactics, including tear gas, outside federal buildings as the standoff continues.

President Trump’s combative rhetoric and the federal response have drawn both praise and criticism, underscoring the deeply polarized national debate over immigration policy, civil rights, and the use of military force in domestic affairs.