Trump orders arrest of masked LA protesters amid rising tensions: ‘What do these people have to hide?’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Amid widespread immigration protests in LA, President Donald Trump announced a ban on face coverings at demonstrations and called for the arrest of masked protesters in a Truth Social post on Sunday, June 8.

The unrest erupted on Friday, June 6, following a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across Los Angeles. More than 100 individuals were detained, including prominent community leaders, prompting large-scale demonstrations across the city, as per Politico.

Tensions escalated on Saturday, June 7, when Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the area. Protesters blocked major thoroughfares, while law enforcement responded with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Protests continue across the city, with a heightened security presence.

Trump announces ban on wearing masks at protests

On Sunday, June 8, President Donald Trump announced a ban on wearing masks at protests via a post on Truth Social, as large-scale demonstrations erupted in response to his administration’s immigration crackdown.

He began the post by saying, "Great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest. We have an incompetent Governor (Newscum) and Mayor (Bass) who were, as usual (just look at how they handled the fires, and now their VERY SLOW PERMITTING disaster. Federal permitting is complete!), unable to to handle the task. These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED."

“And, from now on, MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests. What do these people have to hide, and why??? Again, thank you to the National Guard for a job well done!” he declared as per livemint. 

The following day, Trump doubled down on his stance, posting again: “Remember, NO MASKS!” while harshly criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom for what he called a “horrible job.”

In a scathing message, Trump stated, “Governor Gavin Newscum and “Mayor” Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they have done, and this now includes the ongoing L.A. riots. These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists. Remember, NO MASKS!”

In the recent post on Truth Social he ordered, "ARRESTS THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS NOW!"

Trump vows crackdown to 'liberate Los Angeles' amid immigration protests

In a follow-up post, President Trump escalated his rhetoric, claiming that Los Angeles, once a “great American city,” had been “invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals.”

He alleged that violent mobs were now targeting federal agents to halt deportation operations, asserting that these “lawless riots” only hardened his administration’s resolve.

Trump went on to announce that he had directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi—alongside other relevant departments—to take all necessary actions to “liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion” and end the ongoing unrest. He concluded the post with a firm promise: “Order will be restored, the Illegals will be expelled, and Los Angeles will be set free. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Internet erupts as Trump announces ban on wearing masks at protests 

As Trump announced a ban on wearing masks at protests amid the immigration unrest in Los Angeles, internet users quickly reacted, with many mocking the move and others sharply criticizing it. 

One user mocked, "Next, he’ll be banning pants, shirts, shoes." One user hailed, "Good don’t be a coward and hide your face! Law enforcement has a reason to hide their identities. Their families and lives have been put in danger due to the threat of people wanting to harm them for doing their job protecting AMERICANS from illegal invasion!"

Another user posted, "Yeah, you can’t do that. It would definitely make things easier but you can’t tell people you can’t wear a mask just like you shouldn’t be able to tell them they have to wear one."

One commented noted, "He referring to people committing violence." A Facebook user added, "Good Proud Boys won't be able to hide!" One more user praised Trump's decision, "Good they all criminals!"

A confused user shared, "Is that an actual post or someone saying he's Donald Trump. and posting as a joke?"

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