ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President Donald Trump has described the unrest in Los Angeles as a “foreign invasion,” intensifying political tensions as protests over immigration enforcement continue to rock the city for a sixth consecutive day.
Speaking to troops at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, the president alleged that the demonstrations are being incited by “outsiders” carrying “foreign flags,” whom he accused of endangering national security.
“This anarchy will not stand. We will not allow federal agents to be attacked, and we will not allow an American city to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy,” President Trump declared.
Federal Troops Deployed Amid Opposition
The federal government has deployed thousands of military personnel — including 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to the escalating protests. The move, however, has been sharply criticized by California officials, who called it excessive and unconstitutional.
Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment, stating:
“This is not a warzone. These are American streets and American citizens.”
The governor also described Trump’s actions as “dictatorial” and warned of further instability if federal forces remain involved.
Rhetoric Fuels Tensions
In his speech, President Trump also directed sharp criticism at political opponents, including Governor Newsom and former President Joe Biden, eliciting jeers from some in the military audience. He described demonstrators as “animals” and accused them of seeking to erode American values and sovereignty.
“What you’re witnessing in California is a full-blown assault on peace, on public order and national sovereignty, carried out by rioters bearing foreign flags,” Trump said.
He linked the protests to broader concerns about immigration, reiterating his belief that lax border enforcement leads to societal breakdown.
“Uncontrolled migration leads to chaos, dysfunction and disorder,” he stated. “They have it in Europe too. It’s happening in many of the countries of Europe. They better do something before it’s too late.”
Civil Liberties Advocates React
Civil rights organizations have expressed alarm over the president’s language, warning that his statements may inflame divisions and put protesters at greater risk.
Rachel Klein of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) responded:
“Characterising US residents protesting on American soil as agents of a foreign invasion is not only false, it is deeply irresponsible. This is a moment for dialogue, not militarisation.”
Observers have noted that Trump’s remarks could be part of a broader strategy to galvanize his political base ahead of the upcoming election season.
Situation in Los Angeles Remains Volatile
In downtown Los Angeles, protests show no signs of slowing despite a citywide curfew and increased federal presence. While isolated incidents of violence and vandalism have occurred, local officials emphasize that most demonstrations remain peaceful.
Mayor Karen Bass has reiterated her commitment to de-escalation and public safety, urging both federal and state actors to prioritize restraint.
The White House has not indicated any plans to withdraw federal forces and has signaled that similar deployments could occur in other cities if unrest spreads.
