Northern United States Command (Northcom) announced on Tuesday that an additional 2,000 National Guard troops will be deployed in Los Angeles due to concerns related to President Trump’s immigration policies.
Last week, 4,000 security personnel, along with 700 Marines, were sent to the city in response to protests that erupted following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation operation.
“Similar to other units assigned to aid this mission, the brigade will not engage directly in civil law enforcement,” Northcom stated in a release.
Officials mentioned that the soldiers requested by Trump are positioned to provide “appropriate” and “continuous support” to local and state law enforcement. They are mainly stationed outside federal buildings to deter demonstrators from vandalism or property damage.
“Soldiers have undergone training in de-escalation, crowd control, and existing protocols related to the use of force prior to their involvement in this federal mission,” Northcom added.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed opposition to these measures as anti-ICE protests have spread beyond California, arguing that the Trump administration is utilizing federal forces to suppress dissent. He has filed a lawsuit asserting that the deployment of federal troops is illegal and was not discussed beforehand.
A judge initially ruled in his favor, but the Court of Appeals overruled a decision that temporarily maintained the state’s control over the National Guard.
The governor has stated, “Deploying federal soldiers in Los Angeles does not protect our community. Children are scared to participate in their graduations. People are worried about going to work.”
“They arrest dishwashers, gardeners, and tailors. They’re part of our families, not criminals. This isn’t about public safety; it’s about tyranny,” he added.
Statements from former service members have also surfaced through the Democratic governor’s office. Janessa Goldbeck, a Marine Corps veteran, stated, “This isn’t normal. It’s unnecessary and costly. American taxpayers are funding a militarized approach intended to convey control instead of safety.”
Goldbeck further noted, “The threat isn’t confined to Los Angeles. This action could be used as a rationale for the deployment of troops in any American city.”
