In a move that has escalated tensions, President Donald Trump has ordered an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, according to the Department of Defense. These troops are being sent to assist ICE and federal law enforcement amid continued protests. The current deployment adds to the 2,000 troops ordered earlier in the week, targeting the demonstrations against immigration arrests. The Assistant to the Secretary of Defence for Public Affairs, Sean Parnell, confirmed the deployment via X. The deployment decision arrived on the same day California initiated legal action against the Trump administration, seeking to invalidate the deployments on constitutional grounds. A White House spokesperson retorted by criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom, urging him to prioritize the prosecution of those protesting against ICE. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has voiced strong criticism, calling Trump’s move ‘unnecessary, counterproductive, and unlawful.’ The state argues the order is unconstitutional and made without the consent of the Governor or local law enforcement. Governor Newsom has also issued a statement condemning Trump’s actions. The protests are a direct result of ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants within the city.