Trump sends National Guard to Los Angeles

L.A. Lights the Fuse—Oregon’s Not Far Behind

Why this moment matters from Los Angeles to Eugene

L.A. Heats Up Over ICE Raids

On Friday, June 6, ICE executed aggressive immigration raids across Los Angeles—Fashion District, a warehouse, Home Depot—and arrested over 100 people, including union leader David Huerta  . Protests erupted immediately in L.A., Compton and Paramount. LAPD backed federal agents with tear gas, non lethal rounds, and declared unlawful assemblies. At least 27 people were arrested on Saturday night, with dozens more on Sunday, including journalists and federal officers with reported injuries.

In response, President Trump invoked Title 10 of the U.S. Code to federalize the California National Guard—the first president in 60 years to bypass a governor, and the first in LA since 1992—sending 2 000 troops into the city, and positioning 700 active‑duty Marines to protect federal facilities.

Governors Push Back

California Governor Gavin Newsom calls the move “illegal and immoral,” and sued the Trump administration, accusing it of federal overreach under the Tenth Amendment  . Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has described L.A. as under control, with no need for military intervention, calling the deployment “pure political theater”.

Why This Is a Turning Point

This use of Title Ten—usually for rebellion or invasion—is rare and unprecedented in modern times. The last similar move was President Johnson sending federal troops during the Selma marches in 1965  . LA’s 1992 riots over the Rodney King verdict—63 dead, over two billion dollars in damage—were quelled when President George H. W. Bush federally activated the Guard at state request. This time news indicates the state was fully in control before federal boots hit the ground.

A Broader Movement

Now protests are spreading. Solidarity demonstrations have taken place in dozens of cities, including Portland Maine, Salt Lake City, Hartford and even San Francisco, with similar anger at immigration actions and the federal response.

In L.A. today roughly 1 000 protesters face off against riot‑equipped Guard forces. By Monday mid‑day the federal Guard presence doubled to 4 100 troops-plus 700 Marines—part of a deliberate escalation  . Trump warned protesters masks are banned and promised crackdown if they use violence.

L.A.’s 1992 Memory

The Rodney King aftermath laid bare what can happen when civil unrest spreads unchecked. Over four days in April–May 1992, fires, wreckage, shootings, and lawlessness gripped the city. Bush Sr. sent in the Guard at state request. Today’s L.A. is quieter but anxieties are back. Federal forces in riot gear could spark flashpoints faster than any riot squad .

Oregon’s Story – History in the Making

Portland has a recent protest record—from Black Lives Matter to “Hands Off”—a 5 000‑strong rally in April supported by national organizers and local chapters  . That crowd grew out of deeper layers of activism and readiness.

Eugene has been a protest hub since the 1960’s. Flaming tree plantings in the 90s, Occupy camps in 2011 and major BLM unrest in 2020 showed the city can erupt. In April 2025, Eugene saw the “Hands Off” rally with thousands in turnout. In June activists have already staged climate and anti monarchy protests involving theatrical performance and butterfly imagery  —and before that the UO campus hosted a month‑long pro‑Palestinian occupation in spring 2024  .

Combined with Portland, Oregon is not just ready—it is primed. Governor Kotek has joined 22 other governors condemning Trump’s LA move and promising resistance .

The Summer Ahead

Eye on the Courts: California’s lawsuit targets a 60‑day Title 10 deployment. A ruling for Newsom would set a critical check on federal power in all 50 states.

Potential Flashpoints: Portland and Eugene have proven “first strike” capacity. If protests turn confrontational and federal forces move in, Oregon could be next headlines.

Trump’s Playbook: He’s telegraphed this approach since 2023. Expect more aggressive immigration enforcement, social media rallying, and possibly Insurrection Act talk—legally escalating this conflict .

What to Watch Locally

• Oregon city councils could preemptively pass protest protection resolutions.

• Local defense groups and unions may respond to calls for watch or solidarity.

• Will Portland/Eugene leaders issue their own state requests—or refuse?

Bottom Line

This isn’t L.A. vs. the feds. It’s a national test over who controls public disorder—state governments and local communities, or the president. L.A. just flipped the switch. Oregon is standing by, and the summer could bring that flash forward.

Stay aware. Check your city updates and legal alerts. This isn’t over and it’s not far off from playing out in our own backyard.