WASHINGTON DC: U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed that “order will be restored” and “Los Angeles will be set free,” following widespread protests triggered by federal immigration raids.

He directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to “take all necessary action” to stop what he called “migrant riots” and “liberate Los Angeles from the migrant invasion.” Around 2,000 National Guard troops have been deployed to the city.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our federal agents… but these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move, calling it unnecessary and inflammatory. Bass said local agencies are capable of handling the situation, while Newsom warned that Trump’s response is “eroding trust and tearing families apart.”