California Republican lawmakers are largely backing President Donald Trump‘s decision to send the National Guard into Los Angeles amid immigration protests, with Representative Kevin Kiley telling Newsweek that the president chose to “protect federal officers and LA citizens because Governor Newsom has refused to do so.”
Why It Matters
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have conducted raids across the country and have faced large protests in Los Angeles, as Trump’s administration pledged to carry out the largest mass deportations in U.S. history.
While the raids are following legal directive from federal authorities, protests have erupted amid reports that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE denied these allegations, with a spokesperson previously telling Newsweek the agency “categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles.”
The clashes highlight deepening conflicts between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy, as Trump has implemented sweeping changes through executive orders and utilized the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand deportation authority.
Trump deployed 2,000 California National Guard troops to quell the protests in Los Angeles, sparking opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, who has said the move is “unlawful” and a “serious breach of state sovereignty.” Some Republicans in the state, however, are siding with the president.
What to Know
Representative Kiley responded to Trump’s move to call in the National Guard in a statement to Newsweek.
“The acts of violence, lawlessness, and obstruction we are seeing in Los Angeles pose an ongoing risk to public safety,” Kiley said. “The President has chosen to protect federal officers and LA citizens because Governor Newsom has refused to do so. I am praying for everyone’s safety during this time.”
He said ICE officials are looking for “illegal immigrants with criminal convictions and existing deportation orders” and criticized Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their handling of the situation, accusing them of choosing to “obstruct and interfere with these standard operations.”
“In addition to adopting ‘sanctuary’ policies that force ICE to apprehend criminals in the community rather than at jails, the Governor and Mayor have used inaccurate and inflammatory rhetoric that has encouraged the lawless activity we are seeing in LA right now,” the congressman said.
BENJAMIN HANSON/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
Other California Republicans reacted to the president’s decision in social media posts.
“The National Guard has been deployed, not at the request of California officials, but by direct order from President Trump. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles officials refused to act, letting the situation spiral before criticizing the effort to restore order,” Representative Doug LaMalfa wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “This is what happens when politicians prioritize making headlines over doing their jobs. Earlier this year Gavin and many Democrats were telling people to resist and fight back against ICE arresting illegal alien criminals.”
He added: “The rioters need to be arrested immediately to stop the threat. And the elected officials who are inciting and aiding them need to be dealt with sternly. I stand with our National Guard, DHS, and every law enforcement officer on site working to protect people and property while California’s leaders cower behind press conferences and attempt to shift blame. It’s an embarrassment to all Californians at the same time the State asks for federal assistance on other issues. Enough with the excuses. Law and order still matters.”
Representative Vince Fong wrote on X that Trump is “acting to restore law and order while local leaders refuse to acknowledge the consequences of their failed policies.”
Other California Republican lawmakers also reacted to the protests but did not comment specifically on Trump calling in the National Guard.
“Peaceful protests are a right, but crime, hate, and violence are unacceptable and unAmerican,” Representative Young Kim wrote on X.
What People Are Saying
California Governor Newsom wrote on X on Sunday: “I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command. We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X: “We will always protect the constitutional right for Angelenos to peacefully protest. However, violence, destruction and vandalism will not be tolerated in our City and those responsible will be held fully accountable.”
Representative Ken Calvert, a California Republican, wrote to X on Sunday: “Pay attention to how many times liberals like Gov. Newsom & Mayor Bass try to blame those enforcing the law for causing ‘chaos.’ What is the biggest contributor to this chaos? Their sanctuary policies that prevent local authorities from transferring criminal illegal immigrants.”
President Donald Trump on Truth Social: “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote in a statement: “This administration’s actions are not about public safety – they’re about stoking fear. Fear of a community demanding dignity and due process. Protest is a powerful tool – essential in the fight for justice. And as the LAPD, Mayor, and Governor have noted, demonstrations in defense of our immigrant neighbors have been overwhelmingly peaceful.”
What Happens Next
Although Newsom has called for the National Guard troops to be returned to California control, the Trump administration has not said they plan to do so. It’s unclear how long the National Guard will stay in Los Angeles.