National Guard in L.A. Authorized to Use Force in Self-Defense, Detain Individuals

The National Guard has descended on Los Angeles under President Trump‘s orders to respond to violent protests against ICE immigration raids … and TMZ has learned what troops are currently authorized to do amid the chaos.

A source with direct knowledge tells TMZ … troops deployed in L.A. are operating under the “standard rule for use of force” — and that means de-escalation is the primary focus and goal.

We’re told troops are authorized to use force ONLY in self-defense … and deadly force is NOT authorized.

Currently, troops are NOT authorized to make arrests … but they can detain people if necessary — and then local law enforcement will make the arrests.

The protests over the Trump Administration’s immigration raids devolved into pure chaos Sunday … and Trump’s Border Czar suggested he would arrest Gavin Newsom— a move the governor dared him to do.

Downtown L.A. turned into scattered scenes of violence on the third day of protests Sunday in the nation’s second-largest city as some demonstrators clashed with police.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has threatened to deploy 500 Marines under the Insurrection Act to stamp out the demonstrations.