Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Monday was frustrated and bewildered by the Trump administration’s decision to deploy National Guard members and Marines following the widespread immigrant attacks throughout the region, saying federal interventions are embracing chaos and fear.
While providing updates on Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and the continuing unrest in Los Angeles, the mayor confirmed that her office was aware of at least five attacks that took place in the city, and that it occurred near her grandson’s school.
Her office said it is working with local immigration advocacy groups such as the Humanitarian Immigration Rights Coalition (Chirla) to compile some attacks on Monday and where they happened.
“You know, Ice doesn’t tell anyone where he’s going or when he’s there,” Bass said.
She also responded to the Department of Defense’s decision to deploy 700 Marines to Los Angeles, appearing visibly confused.
“We didn’t need the National Guard. Why on Earth?” The mayor added the troops sent to LA and said he was not involved in any important operations.
“They’re protecting the federal building here in downtown, and the federal building in Westwood, and that’s what they’re doing,” Bass said.
Videos from Edward R. Loibal Federalville also show troops barricade the entrance.
Governor Gavin Newsom also said that most of the LA’s National Guard members were “not sitting in federal buildings without orders.”
I just got notified Trump has another 2,000 guards deployed in LA
The first 2,000? No food or water was given. about. 300 are being deployed – the rest are sitting in a federal building without orders and not in use.
This is not about public safety. It’s about stroking the danger…
– Gavin Newsom (@gavinnewsom) June 9, 2025
She also pushed back the federal government’s claim that immigrant attacks aim to eradicate violent criminals and warrants.
“I don’t know how to get to the workplaces of drug dealers, from Home Depot to those who are trying to make a living at Home Depot,” Bass said.
While pledging along with Chief McDonnell to take responsibility for violent protesters, the mayor said those engaged in vandalism were creating chaos without effectively protesting the migrant attacks.
“We can’t support immigrants and destroy our cities,” she said. “It’s also sad to see the level of obscene graffiti now, as I walked through downtown and saw the whole building.”
