Just days after protests erupted over increased immigration enforcement, President Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members from Los Angeles. This follows his previous authorization for National Guard deployment in the area last month.
According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, “The lawlessness in Los Angeles has decreased significantly due to the troops stepping up.” He added that the Secretary had decided to release 2,000 personnel from the California National Guard’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Earlier in June, the Trump administration had sent 4,000 National Guard troops and around 700 Marines to Los Angeles, responding to a surge in enforcement actions by U.S. immigration and customs officials.
This action has faced significant backlash from California leaders, who argue that it was done without Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D) permission. They have initiated a lawsuit against the administration, claiming that this sudden troop deployment was unlawful and heightened tensions within the community.
Moreover, they accused the administration of timing the deployment during the critical wildfire season in both Northern and Southern California, as mentioned in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit asserts, “When a state is grappling with a natural emergency, National Guard resources can become overextended.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) stated that the withdrawal of the National Guard was a result of community unity and perseverance.
“We organized peaceful protests, rallied together, and even took legal action against the Trump administration,” she emphasized in a statement.
She added, “I want to tell Angelenos: I will continue fighting for our city. We won’t rest until our voices are heard—this struggle extends beyond LA to our entire nation.”
Earlier this month, 150 security guards were released from their duties to assist with wildfire response efforts across the state.
Governor Newsom recently commended the ruling from a federal judge that issued two temporary restraining orders preventing immigration officials from targeting individuals based on race, language, or employment status. The ruling also mandates that detainees must have access to legal representation.
He remarked, “The court’s ruling halts federal immigration officials from violating individuals’ rights and engaging in racial profiling.” Newsom also urged the Trump administration to uphold the law and the Constitution.
