President Donald Trump's top deputies are framing violent protests against ICE operations in Los Angeles as proof of a foreign "invasion," potentially bolstering legal arguments for expedited deportation powers.

According to Breitbart, administration officials are using the riots to justify aggressive immigration enforcement measures.

The unrest erupted as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out deportation operations in Los Angeles, with protesters waving foreign flags and clashing with federal agents. These confrontations have quickly become a political flashpoint in the ongoing immigration debate.

Legal battle over 'invasion' designation

Vice President JD Vance directly connected the riots to ongoing legal challenges, tweeting: "One of the main technical issues in the immigration judicial battles is whether Biden's border crisis counted as an 'invasion.' So now we have foreign nationals with no legal right to be in the country waving foreign flags and assaulting law enforcement. If only we had a good word for that…"

The administration's use of the term "invasion" carries significant legal weight as Trump seeks to utilize powers granted under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This law authorizes the president to apprehend and remove "alien enemies" during an invasion or "predatory incursion" against U.S. territory by a foreign nation or government.

Several judges have previously rejected the administration's argument that illegal immigration constitutes an invasion under the law's definition. The riots, however, are being presented as new evidence supporting this legal position.

Administration response intensifies

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the situation as "a dangerous invasion facilitated by criminal cartels" and "a huge NATIONAL SECURITY RISK" in a tweet addressing the demonstrations. His statement underscores the administration's effort to frame immigration enforcement as a national security issue.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced this position, stating that deportation operations are "essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States." She added that protesters engaging in violence "will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice."

The administration is simultaneously describing the riots as both a foreign "invasion" and a domestic "insurrection," terminology that carries distinct political and legal implications. This dual characterization allows officials to invoke both national security concerns and law enforcement priorities.

Political division deepens

Republican legislators have echoed the administration's "invasion" rhetoric, while Democrats have accused Trump of deliberately inflaming tensions. The contrasting responses highlight the deeply polarized nature of immigration politics.

Local Democratic officials in Los Angeles, including many Latino politicians, have voiced support for the protesters. This backing has drawn criticism from Republicans who see it as endorsement of violence against federal agents.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has notably challenged ICE Director Tom Homan, daring him to arrest the governor for opposing the raids. This confrontation represents the growing state-federal conflict over immigration enforcement authority.

Enforcement operations continue

Despite the protests and political backlash, the Trump administration has maintained its commitment to large-scale deportation operations targeting undocumented immigrants. The operations in Los Angeles represent part of Trump's broader immigration enforcement agenda implemented since returning to office.

The riots involved only a small portion of Los Angeles but received extensive media coverage, amplifying their political impact. Television footage of protesters waving Mexican flags while confronting federal agents has provided powerful imagery for both supporters and critics of the administration's policies.

Beyond the street demonstrations, some immigration watchers have raised concerns about India's government conducting what they describe as a "legalized invasion" of American white-collar workplaces, suggesting the administration's focus on physical border security overlooks other immigration challenges.