LOS ANGELES, USA — Big drama is happening in Los Angeles. President Donald Trump says he’s trying to “help” the city by sending in soldiers and Marines. But many people living there — especially in a neighborhood called Little Tokyo — are saying, “No thanks, Mr. President.”
Here’s the full story in simple words:
🚨 Why Is Trump Sending the Military?
President Trump believes that protesters in LA are getting too wild and dangerous. He says sending in the National Guard and 700 Marines (which are like super-trained soldiers) will help bring peace and stop violence.
But a lot of people in LA — including those living in Little Tokyo — think Trump is making things worse, not better.
💬 What People in Little Tokyo Are Saying
Little Tokyo is a neighborhood where lots of people shop, eat sushi, and speak both English and Japanese. It’s usually a peaceful place.
But now, it’s caught in the middle of protests. Protesters have been gathering nearby every night. And after police try to push them away, they often move into Little Tokyo — where things get messy.
One woman named Sulieti Havili, who helps run a Pokemon club with 6,000 members, says the military isn’t helping at all.
“The protesters are even more angry now,” she said. “They’re not protecting us. They’re making it worse.”
She and her friend Nolberto Aguilar were even picking up trash in the streets after the chaos. They believe sending in troops has made peaceful protests turn scary.
😢 Why Are People Protesting?
A lot of the protests started because of immigration raids — when government agents take people who don’t have the right papers to live in the U.S.
Some of these people are parents, workers, and long-time residents. Many folks in Little Tokyo are either immigrants or have family who are. That’s why they’re scared to speak up — they don’t want to be targets for ICE, the immigration police.
One man who works at a tea shop, named Anthony, said:
“Sending in all those soldiers just made people even more angry. It didn’t calm anything down — it made it worse.”
🎆 Tear Gas, Loud Booms, and Fear at Night
At night, things get intense.
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Police use loud flash-bangs (like firecrackers) to scare off crowds.
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Protesters run into Little Tokyo, spray graffiti, and some clash with police.
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Business owners say it’s hurting shops and scaring away customers.
Samantha Lopez, who works at an ice cream shop, says she understands why people are upset. But she doesn’t support any violence.
“These protests were peaceful at first,” she said. “But when the military shows up, it turns into chaos. That’s not good for anyone.”
🏛️ Local Leaders Also Say: “Stop Sending Troops”
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom and LA’s Mayor Karen Bass both say that sending in troops has made the situation worse — not better.
Newsom even said it’s putting democracy in danger, and Mayor Bass accused Trump of trying to create chaos on purpose.
🇺🇸 What Will Happen Next?
The White House says they’re just doing what’s needed to stop violence. But people in LA — especially in Little Tokyo — feel like their voices are being ignored.
Now, many are asking:
👉 Will the troops leave soon?
👉 Will the protests calm down?
👉 Can people feel safe again?
One thing is clear — this is a big moment for Los Angeles, and the whole country is watching what happens next.
