Immigration raids are expected to ramp up across Southern California this week, targeting Democrat-led cities while scaling back enforcement at farms, hotels, and restaurants—despite ongoing protests.
On Sunday, former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, urging ICE officers to carry out the “largest Mass Deportation Program in History,” blaming cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago for harboring millions of undocumented immigrants and accusing them of voter fraud and economic harm.
Gov. Gavin Newsom fired back on social media, accusing Trump of trying to incite chaos in blue states. “It’s illegal and we will not stand for it,” Newsom wrote.
Although Trump aims for 3,000 deportations daily, enforcement at farms and hospitality sites is easing after backlash from business groups. The American Farm Bureau Federation praised the shift, calling it crucial to protecting the U.S. food supply and supporting essential workers.
Protests continued in downtown L.A. over the weekend, following daily demonstrations since ICE raids began on June 6. On Saturday, a raid at the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet led to multiple arrests by masked federal agents, accompanied by U.S. Marines.
The LAPD has arrested 561 protesters so far, including 38 during Saturday’s “No Kings” march. The city has already spent $11.4 million responding to protests, not including Saturday’s massive turnout.
To reinforce ICE operations, the Trump administration deployed 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines. Military officials said Marines are guarding federal property while the National Guard shifts to support roles in the field.
A federal court hearing on Tuesday will determine whether Trump or Newsom will retain control over National Guard activity. Judge Charles Breyer previously ruled that Trump’s move to federalize the Guard didn’t follow legal procedures, but the ruling is currently on hold pending appeal.
