Trump Considers Insurrection Act Amid LA Immigration Protests
President Donald Trump has signaled his readiness to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to escalating protests in Los Angeles concerning immigration policies.
Protests and Federal Response
The demonstrations, now entering their fourth day, have drawn criticism from the Trump administration. President Trump stated that he is prepared to utilize the Insurrection Act if the protests escalate into what he deems an "insurrection." He had already deployed approximately 700 US Marines to Los Angeles in an effort to quell the unrest.
Trump's Criticism of California's Governor
Trump doubled down on his criticism of California's Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, alleging that protesters caused significant damage, using concrete as weapons against law enforcement and soldiers.
The Insurrection Act Explained
The Insurrection Act of 1807 grants the US president the authority to deploy military forces within the country to suppress civil disorder or rebellion. It's a rarely used law, and its invocation could potentially trigger a constitutional standoff between federal and state authorities.
Historical Context
The Insurrection Act has been invoked sparingly throughout US history, notably during the Little Rock crisis of 1957 and the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
