Asger Risom
The U.S. president condemned immigration protests in California, linking them to a broader threat to national sovereignty.
Widespread demonstrations across Los Angeles have reignited political tensions in the U.S., following aggressive immigration raids ordered by President Donald Trump. Nearly 200 people have been arrested, and the city remains under curfew as National Guard troops patrol the streets.
A Stark Warning From the President
Speaking at a rally in Fort Bragg, Trump described the unrest as an “attack on peace, public order, and national sovereignty,” alleging that foreign flags seen at the protests were signs of an effort to “prolong a foreign invasion.”
He pledged that such demonstrations would not be tolerated, drawing loud approval from military attendees.
The president also reiterated his disapproval of flag burnings during the protests. “Those who burn the American flag should spend a year in jail,” he declared.
Federal Deployment and Legal Pushback
The deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines has drawn legal challenges from California’s state government.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision as a federal overreach, claiming that local authorities had the situation under control.
The state has since filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing the move violates constitutional limits on federal power.
Calls for Punishment Intensify
Trump said his administration is working with senators to make flag desecration punishable by prison.
He accused his predecessor, Joe Biden, of allowing the so-called invasion by failing to enforce border security.
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors announced criminal charges against several protesters in Los Angeles, including allegations of violence, possession of explosives, and attempts to interfere with arrests.
As reported by 20minutos, Trump continues to frame the protests as a national security crisis—escalating political stakes ahead of the election season.