Members of the Latin American community in the U.S. city of San Francisco have criticized the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops after demonstrations erupted over the controversial immigration raids in California, saying this has only resulted in heightened tensions in several areas.
Trouble has flared up in recent days after the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency launched raids in Los Angeles on Friday, with a particular focus on the downtown fashion district and Latino communities.
The raids resulted in more than 100 arrests and sparked mass demonstrations over the weekend, as angry protesters confronted agents with tear gas, flash-bang grenades and rocks.
U.S. President Donald Trump took extraordinary action on Saturday by calling up 2,000 National Guard troops to quell immigration protests in the Los Angeles region, making rare use of federal powers and bypassing the authority of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Thousands of anti-ICE protesters have also taken to the streets in a predominantly Latino community in San Francisco every night as the unrest continues.
Many believe the drastic action of the Trump administration to send in armed troops has created panic within local communities and only served to further inflame the situation.
"I think it's horrible, I think it's very sad. I think people have the right to [be here]. San Francisco is a sanctuary city. And I don't think it's right what they're doing, pulling people out of their homes, separating families. I think it's very disheartening and it's very sad, especially the Trump administration wanting to use military force on this. I think it's really ridiculous, I think it's really sad and power to the people. I stand with the people and I think the community is doing a great job of standing up," said Bianca, an immigrant who preferred not to show her face on camera after participating in a protest.
"I'm not okay with them using the military for that, and also going into communities scaring people, I don't think it's right," said Judy, another Latina immigrant.
Some say Trump's heavy-handed response has been disproportionate, given that protests are a relatively regular occurrence in the area, and believe this has only worsened the situation.
"I kind of think they're making it worse. Like, it was just a regular protest, and living here there's protests all the time, like we're used to it. And I think that kind of sending that many people or sending that much aggression, that's kind of what causes it to get that much [worse]. I don't think it's reasonable or justified," said Caroline, a local resident.
However, amid the tensions, many locals emphasized that the protests must remain peaceful, and have condemned acts of vandalism such as the destruction of shops.
"I feel like or we talk like sometimes it could be like the Trump administration coming and kind of targeting, acting like it's the protesters fault, but it is not. They're just vandalizing [and] I'm not okay with that either," said Judy.
San Francisco residents say "unreasonable" Trump troop deployment only making situation worse
San Francisco residents say "unreasonable" Trump troop deployment only making situation worse
