During last year’s campaign, Donald Trump vowed to counter left-wing lawlessness, a promise he acted on during protests against ICE in California. Despite LAPD labeling the protests as largely peaceful, Trump federalized California National Guard troops and put US Marines on alert, asserting a need for a strong response to protect immigration agents. While this approach aims to energize Trump’s base and attract politically independent voters concerned about safety, Democrats criticize it as inflammatory and unnecessary, warning it could exacerbate civil unrest.
