LOS ANGELES, June 8 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 protesters clashed with National Guard troops in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday during the latest demonstrations against immigration raids that swept across California over the weekend.

Xinhua reporters at the scene observed National Guard soldiers, along with agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security, repeatedly firing tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse the crowd. Some protesters and journalists were hit during the confrontation.

"We want to protest peacefully. However, the Trump administration just sent soldiers to fight against us. Is it necessary?" one protester told Xinhua.

Shortly after the clash, California Governor Gavin Newsom urged protesters to remain peaceful.

"California -- Don't give Donald Trump what he wants. Speak up. Stay peaceful. Stay calm," Newsom wrote in an online post. "Do not use violence and respect the law enforcement officers that are trying their best to keep the peace."