2,000 National Guard Troops Withdrawn from LA Amid Criticism, Legal Challenges

Amid public protests and judicial disputes over President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, the Pentagon has pulled 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles. Nearly half of these Guard troops were sent to the region in early June under federal orders.

The deployment of 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines supported federal immigration operations and maintained public order. The Department of Defense unexpectedly ended the mission for half the troops without explanation.

Public pressure and logistical issues caused the decrease. California Gov. Gavin Newsom had requested 200 National Guard members for wildfire duty due to staff shortages during peak fire season. This request came after photographs and stories of heavily armed troops in MacArthur Park alarmed locals and leaders.

City authorities described the park operation as an intimidation strategy rather than a law enforcement mission, while the Department of Homeland Security did not disclose details.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell attributed the lower military footprint to better conditions in Los Angeles. "The lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding," he remarked. Many local officials and advocacy groups saw the withdrawal as a response to widespread opposition and legal scrutiny.

Massive protests, including freeway closures, vehicle fires, and police fights, followed the National Guard's arrival in the city. Protesters called the Trump administration's use of federal forces tyrannical. A week-long curfew imposed by Mayor Karen Bass helped de-escalate the situation, but minor protests have continued.

Mayor Bass credited community organizing and legal pressure for the troop withdrawal. California continues its lawsuit against the Trump administration in federal court.

Governor Newsom sued the federal government over the deployment, claiming it violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which bans military-led domestic law enforcement. An initial federal court sided with Newsom, ruling that the deployment was unconstitutional and exceeded Trump's constitutional powers. However, the appeal overturned that verdict, giving the Guard to the federal government.

In a future hearing, a federal court will reconsider the legality of the deployment, presidential power, and the Guard's role.

The complete deployment will continue after Tuesday's pullout—some of the thousands of troops in the area will aid federal immigration enforcement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth can extend the 60-day mission.

Newsom called the Marines' deployment in California political theater that distracts from wildfire response and pandemic recovery. “The remaining troops continue without a mission, direction, or hope of returning to help their communities,” he said.

The deployment's future is uncertain. Federal authorities argue that the operation enhances public safety and supports immigration enforcement, but critics contend that it undermines local authority and wastes military resources.

The national debate over federal power and the military's domestic role persists as Los Angeles residents notice a decline in the number of military personnel on city streets.

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