The Pentagon has decided to release 2,000 National Guard troops from their federal mission in Los Angeles, citing a decline in anti-ICE demonstrations as the reason. The Trump administration had earlier deployed over 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines to the city in June to manage the situation, which saw intense protests and riots.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that ‘thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding,’ and the release of troops was in line with the Secretary’s orders. However, Mayor Karen Bass criticized the decision, calling it a ‘retreat’ and arguing that the National Guard’s primary mission was to protect federal buildings that ‘didn’t need to be guarded.’ She expressed hope that the intervention would end soon, emphasizing the need for civic engagement to address the underlying issues.
Congressman Gavin Newsom had sued the Trump administration over the deployment, claiming it violated the Posse Comitatus Act. Initially, a federal judge ruled the deployment illegal, but an appeals court later upheld the Pentagon’s authority. The deployment was initially set for 60 days, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth having the discretion to extend it as needed. Newsom criticized the deployment as a political move, arguing it had diverted troops from their families and civilian duties without a clear mission.
Despite the reduction in troops, some National Guard units remain in the area, accompanying immigration agents on operations. The situation remains complex, balancing public safety with civil rights, and the outcomes of ongoing legal battles may further influence the deployment’s future.