The Pentagon has announced the withdrawal of 2,000 National Guard troops from federal duties in Los Angeles. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell noted that the decline in lawlessness in the city is attributed to the National Guard’s presence, leading to this decision by the Secretary of Defense.
Initially, around 4,000 National Guard members were deployed in early June to help curb protests related to immigration and customs enforcement. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass framed this reduction as a “retreat.” In a statement, she expressed pride in the collective efforts of the community, stating that peaceful protests and legal actions against the Trump administration were pivotal in this outcome.
Bass also mentioned at a press conference that the National Guard’s primary mission was to safeguard buildings that, in her view, didn’t require protection at all. She further hoped for a swift end to the deployment. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has been critical of the National Guard’s presence, having previously sued the Trump administration over its actions. He argued that this deployment went against the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military enforcement of domestic laws.
Newsom celebrated an early legal victory when a federal judge deemed the deployment unlawful, although an appellate court later overturned this ruling. The military continues to operate under the federal government’s authority, and a federal court is expected to hear arguments next month regarding the legality of military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
The National Guard’s mission had an initial duration of 60 days, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegses having the authority to modify it based on situational needs. In response to the withdrawal, Newsom released a statement labeling the National Guard as mere instruments of the president’s political agenda, emphasizing the strain this deployment placed on the troops and their families.
In a previous development, the military was asked to return some personnel to address wildfire operations in California, a concern raised by Newsom as wildfire season approached. The decision to reduce troops comes in the wake of tensions on social media after a federal operation at MacArthur Park, an area grappling with homelessness and crime, where residents alleged children were playing as the National Guard passed by.
On the day of the withdrawal, there was reportedly no military presence in downtown Los Angeles, with National Guard troops initially set to protect federal buildings before Marines took over those duties. The situation remains fluid amidst ongoing immigration operations.
