The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, effectively halving the military presence in the city that was initially deployed to support federal law enforcement during intense protests related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Nearly 4,700 California National Guard members and 700 active-duty Marines were deployed to Los Angeles in early June, with the primary mission to protect federal buildings and personnel amid unrest sparked by ICE enforcement activities. Although these Guardsmen were authorized to temporarily detain individuals if necessary, their role did not extend to making arrests, which remained the responsibility of local law enforcement. The troops were specially trained in perimeter security, de-escalation tactics, and crowd control.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the drawdown reflects progress: “Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the release of those 2,000 troops as part of a phased withdrawal, acknowledging the accomplishment of the mission.
However, the decision has been met with criticism from California officials. Governor Gavin Newsom described the deployment as a political maneuver that pulled Guardsmen away from their communities and families without clear direction, and he called for the complete withdrawal of all remaining troops. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also opposed the initial deployment, arguing it inflamed tensions rather than calming them.
Despite opposition from the state government and lawsuits seeking control over the deployment, federal authority prevailed, and the National Guard and Marines remained under federal command throughout the mission. Even after the reduction, about 2,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines will continue their duties in the city, focusing on safeguarding federal properties and personnel.
This unprecedented deployment highlighted the complex balance between federal authority and local governance in managing civil unrest and immigration enforcement on U.S. soil, raising ongoing debates about the military’s role in domestic law enforcement.
Key points:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial troop deployment | Nearly 4,700 National Guard + 700 Marines |
| Current troop withdrawal | About 2,000 National Guard troops |
| Remaining forces | Approx. 2,000 National Guard + 700 Marines |
| Mission | Protection of federal buildings/personnel; support ICE enforcement |
| Authorization | Temporary detentions allowed; arrests by law enforcement only |
| Opposition | Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass publicly critical; legal challenges unsuccessful |
This withdrawal marks a significant step towards scaling back the military’s role in Los Angeles and a potential easing of tensions following months of protests linked to immigration enforcement efforts.