Trump sends thousands more troops to riot-hit LA

Immigration raid protests spread to other US cities

- By Martin Fricker

DONALD Trump ordered thousands more troops to Los Angeles as the protests against immigration raids spread to other US cities.

The American president gave the go-ahead for another 2,000 National Guards and 700 Marines to go to LA after a fourth day of demonstrations.

Protests in the Californian city were less violent than on previous days but that did not stop Mr Trump escalating the military presence. US officials said the Marines were being deployed to protect federal property and personnel.

The 2,000 National Guard troops are in addition to the 2,100 previously mobilised by the president. California governor Gavin Newsom called the deployments reckless and “disrespectful to our troops” in a post on social media.

He added: “This isn’t about public safety. It’s about stroking a dangerous president’s ego.”