California officials insisted they could maintain order and blamed federal immigration raids and military deployments for raising tensions, as President Trump defended his decision to send troops to Los Angeles after protests over immigration turned violent.

The protests began Friday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carried out coordinated raids across Los Angeles, detaining dozens of workers at warehouses and other worksites. The arrests sparked immediate backlash, with demonstrators converging outside federal buildings, blocking freeways, and in some cases clashing with police.

As the president increases the military presence in their city, many protesters feel it is a crucial time to speak out. Here are some of their stories.