The deployment overrode the protests of local officials — an extraordinary move not seen in decades that California governor Gavin Newsom criticised as “purposefully inflammatory”.

A separate Pride parade in support of LGBTIQ+ rights — also under assault by the Trump administration — started in Hollywood, with organisers posting on Instagram that they were working with local law enforcement to keep the celebrations safe.

Politicians clash over party lines

Newsom’s warning came after LA was rocked by two days of confrontations that resulted in federal agents firing flash-bang grenades and tear gas toward crowds angry at the arrests of dozens of migrants.

“We have to be prepared to do what is necessary,” he said.

Response labelled an ‘intimidation tactic’, ‘escalation’ by demonstrators

“Trump deploying the national guard is ridiculous. I think he’s escalating, he’s trying to make a show for his agenda.”

A protester holds a sign as border patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks stand guard outside an industrial park in California at the weekend. Source: AAP / Eric Thayer

Senior US senator from the state of Vermont, Bernie Sanders, said the move demonstrated “Trump’s authoritarianism in real time”.

“Conduct massive illegal raids. Provoke a counter-response. Declare a state of emergency. Call in the troops,” he wrote on social media, adding: “Unacceptable.”

Trump’s immigration crackdown

Raids by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in other US cities have triggered small-scale protests in recent months, but the LA unrest is the biggest and most sustained against Trump’s immigration policies so far.