Standoff in Los Angeles: Mayor Karen Bass Threatens Feds as Trump Warns of Insurrection Act
Tensions in Los Angeles exploded Tuesday as Mayor Karen Bass openly threatened the federal government, demanding a full withdrawal of National Guard troops and ICE agents amid escalating anti-ICE riots in the city.
Bass, alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom, blamed Washington for sparking the chaos and insisted the violence won’t subside unless federal agents pull out of LA — a demand President Donald Trump has categorically rejected.
“We need to stop the raids,” Bass declared in a press conference. “This was chaos that was started by Washington, D.C.”
The implication was crystal clear: the riots would continue unless federal immigration enforcement ends.
President Trump, speaking from the White House, responded with fire:
“If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke [the Insurrection Act]. If we didn’t get involved, right now Los Angeles would be burning just like it was burning a number of months ago. We are not playing around.”
In recent days, Trump has flooded downtown LA with 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines after local police were overrun by violent mobs targeting ICE agents, looting businesses, and injuring law enforcement officers.
White House Advisor Stephen Miller didn’t mince words in his response to Mayor Bass’s ultimatum:
“The Mayor of LA is effectively saying the mob violence is caused by the presence of ICE in the city — and that violence against ICE will not stop unless federal law enforcement is withdrawn. This is the definition of insurrection.”
Miller further accused California leadership of trying to nullify federal law and usurp national sovereignty:
“Los Angeles and California are demanding the nullification of the election results, of federal law, and of the constitutional command of one national government.”
The situation now teeters on the brink of a constitutional crisis — with a city mayor threatening civil unrest if federal law is enforced, and a president threatening martial authority if it isn’t.
With over 150 rioters arrested and dozens of officers injured, the stakes have never been higher. And President Trump’s message is clear: federal law will be enforced — with or without permission from California’s leaders.