National Guard vs. Public Demand: What’s the Cost of Trump’s Use of Force?
webangah News Agency: Tensions over the Trump administration’s immigration policies have once again plunged America into political and social turmoil. the newly re-elected government has aggressively implemented a series of harsh measures targeting immigrants, asylum seekers, and even non-permanent residents-prompting nationwide protests.
Over the past three days, mass demonstrations erupted across major U.S. cities, notably in los Angeles, California, where clashes with security forces led to hundreds of arrests and the eventual deployment of the National Guard.
Trump’s Second Term: A Return to Hardline Immigration policies
As Donald Trump’s second presidential term began in January 2025, immigration has re-emerged as a central policy focus. despite some Republican promises of “humane border reforms,” Trump doubled down on his 2016 rhetoric, launching aggressive anti-immigration measures.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced an “urban cleansing” initiative authorizing raids in suburbs, working-class neighborhoods, and even municipal buildings to detain undocumented immigrants-regardless of criminal records. Other controversial policies include:
- Expedited Removal: Border agents can deport migrants within days without court hearings.
- Public Service Bans: Undocumented immigrants lose access to housing subsidies, free education, and public healthcare.
- Expanded Muslim Travel Restrictions: An updated March 2025 executive order broadened entry bans for majority-Muslim nations indefinitely.
The administration defends these actions as necessary for national security and fiscal protection. Critics argue they reflect ideological racism threatening social cohesion and human rights.
A Spark in Texas Ignites Nationwide Protests</P
The firestorm began June 5th,2025 when viral footage showed ICE agents violently detaining a migrant mother in El Paso while her child watched.The video triggered protests from Austin To Chicago initially peaceful gatherings soon escalated into massive demonstrations under slogans like “Immigration Is Not A Crime” .By week’s end cities including New York Philadelphia San Francisco saw crowds besieging federal buildings detention centers leading To violent police confrontations .Analysts warn these coudl evolve into sustained national movement demanding “justice For immigrants.” </P
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From Peaceful Protest To Military Crackdown : The National Guard Steps In Strong>
Los Angeles became ground zero after clashes near mid-City detention facilities prompted California ‘ s governor To deploy The National guard .security forces used pepper spray tear gas rubber bullets batons against demonstrators resulting In over270 arrests And50 injuries according autonomous reports.Footage circulating online shows journalists elderly women among those beaten .
Reactions were swift :
- Rep Alexandria Ocasio – Cortez ( D – NY ) condemned The crackdown As ” reminiscent Of America ‘ s darkest hours “.
- The New York Times editorial called It ” declaring war On justice seekers “.
- sen Bernie Sanders warned Of ” authoritarian drift “.
Professor Naomi Klein likened tactics To repressive regimes .
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<> Domestic Fallout And Electoral Reckoning <>
The militarized response exposes deepening rifts within both GOP broader society :- <
- > Independant voters traditional conservatives see message prioritizing suppression Over dialog .
< - > Young voters minorities urban middle class may mobilize heavily For next election cycle .
< - > Intra-party divisions between establishment Republicans MAGA faction grow louder with figures like Liz Cheney warning damage swing states Wisconsin Pennsylvania Arizona ..
< - > Broader questions emerge about federal overreach state resistance role policing academic circles debate whether US veers toward authoritarian centralization ..
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- > Independant voters traditional conservatives see message prioritizing suppression Over dialog .