Newsom Calls for Withdrawal of National Guard from Los Angeles

California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged President Donald Trump to retract the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, labeling it “illegal” and an infringement on national sovereignty.

In a letter addressed to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Newsom argued that the deployment occurred without proper coordination with state officials. He emphasized that the National Guard is not needed in Los Angeles and that the manner of their deployment is troubling.

The letter conveyed that this situation represents a significant violation of national sovereignty, seemingly intended to escalate tensions rather than address real needs on the ground. Newsom requested an immediate cancellation of the deployment, advocating for the National Guard to revert to legitimate state control if necessary.

On social media, Newsom expanded on his concerns, stating that the involvement of the Trump administration has only intensified issues in Los Angeles. He claimed there was no existing problem prior to Trump’s intervention and labeled the deployment a serious breach of sovereignty that detracts from areas where resources are genuinely needed.

Reports indicate that over the weekend, protests erupted in Los Angeles against federal immigration enforcement, with demonstrators engaging in disruptive behavior to warn others about a pending operation. Law enforcement arrested more than 40 individuals amid these protests, sparking anger among some city officials and immigration advocates.

The situation was further complicated as ICE agents conducted an operation with the backing of the National Guard, following President Trump’s order to send in 2,000 guardsmen. Many Democrats criticized this move as a tactic to escalate matters unnecessarily. They contended that the federal government is not responding to a genuine shortage of law enforcement but rather creating a spectacle.