In a stunning move, the Pentagon announced Tuesday that it is pulling 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, nearly half of the forces deployed to the city to quell protests sparked by President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown. The decision, which caught local officials off guard, marks a dramatic shift in the federal response to the unrest that has gripped the city since early June.
The deployment, which included roughly 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines, began 60 days ago to address widespread demonstrations against Trump’s immigration policies. While the Pentagon did not specify why the deployment ended abruptly, the move follows criticism from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who argued the troops were stretched thin as the state braces for peak wildfire season. In late June, the top military commander in Los Angeles requested 200 troops be reassigned to wildfire duties, citing staffing shortages.
Tensions flared last week when federal authorities and National Guard troops descended on MacArthur Park in a mysterious operation involving guns and horses. Local officials slammed the move as an attempt to intimidate residents, though the Department of Homeland Security provided no details on arrests or the operation’s purpose. “The lawlessness is subsiding, thanks to our brave troops,” said Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, defending the deployment’s impact.
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The protests, which peaked on June 8 with thousands blocking a major freeway, saw violent clashes as law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs. Images of burning Waymo robotaxis and police pushing through Little Tokyo with projectiles shocked the nation. Mayor Karen Bass imposed a week-long curfew, which she credited with restoring order and protecting businesses. Recent protests have been smaller, often centered around arrests.
The remaining 700 Marines will continue protecting federal buildings, while some National Guard troops have been assisting with immigration operations. The deployment, ordered by Trump despite Newsom’s objections, sparked a legal battle. Newsom sued, claiming Trump’s control of the California National Guard violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars troops from civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil. Although a federal judge initially ruled the deployment illegal, an appeals court overturned the decision. The case is set for further arguments next month.
In a statement, Newsom blasted the deployment as a political stunt, saying it tore troops from their families and communities “to serve as Trump’s pawns.” He demanded the immediate withdrawal of all remaining forces, arguing they lack a clear mission. The Trump administration, however, has maintained that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth retains the authority to adjust the deployment as needed.
As Los Angeles grapples with the sudden withdrawal, questions linger about the future of federal operations in the city and whether the remaining troops will follow suit. For now, the streets are calmer, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved.
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