US President Donald Trump warned protesters in Los Angeles that they would face serious consequences if they spit on police or soldiers. His statement came after he sent National Guard troops to the city because of protests over immigration raids. Before leaving New Jersey, Trump spoke to reporters and said he was right to send about 2,000 National Guard members. The protests started after immigration officers (ICE) carried out raids, which upset many people.

Trump warned that anyone who spits on police or military personnel during protests will face tough action. “They spit, and we hit,” he said, calling spitting a “new thing” among protesters. He added that no one would be allowed to disrespect officers or soldiers like that.The warning came after protests in Los Angeles turned chaotic. Demonstrators marched from Mariachi Plaza to a federal immigration detention centre, shouting slogans like “ICE out of LA.” Things got tense when National Guard troops reportedly fired tear gas and pepper balls without warning. Videos showed the streets filled with tear gas as people ran for cover.

The Los Angeles Police Department said 27 people were arrested on Saturday for not leaving the protest area when told to. A police spokesperson confirmed the arrests but didn’t say whether officers used tear gas or rubber bullets.US Vice President JD Vance and top aide Stephen Miller called the protests a “violent insurrection.”

But President Donald Trump has not yet used the Insurrection Act, which allows the president to send the military to stop unrest. When asked if he would use it, Trump said, “It depends on what happens. We saw a lot of violence in Los Angeles last night. It could have been worse.” Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the situation is being closely watched and warned that active-duty soldiers could be sent in if protests become more violent. He also said the Marines at Camp Pendleton are on high alert.