The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has authorized approximately 500 National Guard troops in Los Angeles to temporarily detain anti-ICE rioters during immigration operations. This deployment, part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to address ongoing protests, grants soldiers limited authority to detain individuals who attack ICE agents. While the majority of National Guard personnel have been deployed to the city, Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman emphasized that only a small number of detainees have been reported.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the troops are on the ground to provide protection for ICE agents and other federal law enforcement groups. McLaughlin told Axios in a statement that “If any rioters attack ICE law enforcement officers, military personnel have the authority to temporarily detain them until law enforcement makes the arrest.” The policy reflects the administration’s stance on maintaining public order during immigration operations, a significant focus of the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized the Trump administration for allegedly using military force without proper consultation. Newsom filed an emergency motion to immediately block Trump’s use of military forces to stop the riots in Los Angeles. His comments highlight the growing tension between state and federal authorities over the deployment of National Guard units in matters of public safety and law enforcement.
Trump’s administration has consistently defended the deployment, arguing that it is necessary to combat what it describes as criminal illegal immigrant activities. The administration claims these individuals pose threats to public safety, including acts of violence, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. The involvement of the National Guard underscores the complex interplay between federal authority and state jurisdiction in managing public order and enforcement of immigration laws.