Monday's protests were largely calmer than Sunday's clashes. California officials insist that the 4,000 National Guards troops and 700 active duty Marines en route to L.A. are an unnecessary abuse of power by Trump.

President Donald Trump has sent U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in an effort to quash anti-ICE protests that have ravaged parts of the city on Tuesday. Images from L.A. show masked protesters blocking roads,

National Guard members and Marines deployed to Los Angeles cannot perform law enforcement duties by law. That would change if Trump invokes the Insurrection Act.

Los Angeles residents and experts say that the National Guard's presence in Los Angeles in response to immigration protests is reminiscent of a long-standing dynamic in the state and around the country.

The protests began Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carried out coordinated raids across Los Angeles, detaining dozens of workers at warehouses and other worksites. The arrests sparked immediate backlash, with demonstrators converging outside federal buildings, blocking freeways, and in some cases clashing with police.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday defended the administration's mobilization of the National Guard and members of the Marine Corps to Los Angeles amid ongoing immigration protests.

President Donald Trump is defending his decision to send another 2,000 National Guard troops along with 700 Marines to Los Angeles.