United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, threatened on Sunday (8) to mobilize troops of the active Marine Corps if violence in Los Angeles continues. The statement represents a new sign of the aggressive posture of the Trump administration in the face of protests against deportation operations in the city’s Latin neighborhoods, which already last three days.
In a statement, internal security secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused California politicians and protesters of “defending illegal alien criminals heinous at the expense of Americans security.” According to her, “instead of doing riot, they should thank Ice officers every day that wakes up and make our communities safer.”
The troops already present in the city include members of the 79th combat team of the California National Army Infantry Brigade, according to the official publication of the Defense Department on social networks. The sending of about 300 members of the Guard was authorized by Donald Trump without the endorsement of California governor Gavin Newsom, nor the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass.
Continues after advertising
The action generated a strong reaction from Democratic leaders. Senator Bernie Sanders said Trump’s order reflects “a president moving this country quickly to authoritarianism” and “usurping the powers of the United States Congress.”
Former Vice-President Kamala Harris, residing in Los Angeles, criticized immigrant arrests and guard mobilization, which, according to her, are part of a “cruel and calculated agenda to spread panic and division.” Harris has declared support to those who are “getting up to protect more fundamental rights and freedoms.”
On the other hand, the president of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, Trump’s ally, defended the decision. “Gavin Newsom showed disability or reluctant to do what is needed, so the president intervened,” said Johnson. Source: Associated Press.
Continues after advertising
*AI -assisted translation and revision of the writing of the Broadcastreal -time news system of the state group.
