Sen. Bernie Sanders says President Trump’s move to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles County in response to clashes between immigration agents and protesters smacks of “authoritarianism.”

Mr. Sanders said Mr. Trump has shown that he does not believe in the Constitution or the rule of law, and the Vermont independent called on Republicans to stand up against him.

“We have a president who is moving this country rapidly into authoritarianism,” Mr. Sanders said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “He is suing media who criticizes him. He is going after law firms who have clients who were against him. He is going after universities that teach courses that he doesn’t like.”

“He is threatening to impeach judges who rule against him and he is usurping the powers of the United States Congress,” the senator said. “This guy wants all of the power.”

The demonstrations started Friday in response to immigration sweeps in Los Angeles and turned violent at times.

Mr. Trump responded by issuing a memorandum on Saturday announcing that at least 2,000 National Guard personnel would be deployed to Los Angeles County.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats, criticized the move, saying local law enforcement officials have control of the situation.

Bill Essayli, the interim U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said Saturday night in an interview that protesters were assaulting police officers and throwing Molotov cocktails and rocks at officers.

He said National Guard troops would arrive in Los Angeles County in 24 hours.

“We are enforcing immigration law,” Mr. Essayli said. “If they don’t like it, they should talk to Congress. Congress writes the laws. We enforce the law.”

Mr. Sanders said Republican lawmakers must speak up against Mr. Trump.

“I would say that, to a large degree, the future of this country rests with a small number of Republicans in the House and Senate who know better, who do know what the Constitution is about, and it is high time they stood up for our Constitution and the rule of law,” he said.

• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.