Trump deploys additional 2,700 troops to LA amid escalating immigration protests

Protests in Los Angeles stretch into a fifth day, and tensions show no signs of easing.

In fact, U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled down on his hardline stance by deploying more troops.

Park Hyo-been has the details.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday ordered an additional 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to be deployed to Los Angeles, significantly expanding the military response to ongoing protests against immigration raids.

With the latest deployment, approximately 4,700 military personnel are now set to be involved in controlling protests in the area.

The decision comes despite opposition from local officials and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who have raised concerns about the escalating federal involvement.

However, Trump called the governor "incompetent" and insisted that federal intervention was necessary to restore order.

"Look at the job he's doing in California. He's destroying one of our great states. And if I didn't get involved, if we didn't bring the guard in, and we would bring more in if we needed it, because we have to make sure there's going to be law and order."

The first wave of 2,000 National Guard troops, previously ordered by Trump, began arriving Sunday.

According to CNN, about 1,700 members were active in greater Los Angeles on Monday night.

President Trump claimed that the deployment prevented the city from being destroyed.

"Thank goodness we sent out some wonderful National Guard. They've really helped and a lot of problems that we're having out there. They were afraid to do anything, and we sent out the troops, and they've done a fantastic job."

Even on the fourth day of the protests on Monday, clashes erupted again as protesters shut down major highways, throwing concrete and Molotov cocktails.

Cars were set on fire, and police responded with tear gas and flashbangs, filling the streets with smoke.

According to CBS News, as of midday Monday local time, 53 people have been arrested.

Meanwhile, similar anti-ICE protests have popped up around the U.S., including in San Francisco, New York, and Atlanta.

According to CNN, at least 150 people were taken into custody in San Francisco as demonstrations continued to grow nationwide.

The protests were sparked when Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and the FBI raided downtown shops in LA last Friday, detaining 44 people.

Park Hyo-been, Arirang News.