The Pentagon has announced a significant reduction in the National Guard presence in Los Angeles, drawing down the majority of troops initially deployed to address protests linked to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. This move marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding federal military intervention in local civilian matters, particularly in a city known for its diverse populace and active protest culture.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal of 1,350 National Guard members this week, leaving behind a smaller contingent of 250 troops. According to Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesperson, the remaining federal troops will continue to protect federal personnel and property, emphasizing a maintained, albeit reduced, federal footprint in the city.
The initial deployment in early June saw roughly 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines sent to Los Angeles, a decision that faced immediate objections from state and local officials. Their concerns centered on the potential for an escalated response to demonstrations and the appropriateness of military presence in a civilian context.
Prior to this recent drawdown, half of the Guard forces had already been pulled back approximately two weeks ago, followed by the departure of the Marines a few days later. These phased withdrawals reflect a gradual de-escalation of the military’s involvement in the city’s affairs, often a point of contention in California politics.
Parnell stated, “We greatly appreciate the support of the more than 5,000 Guardsmen and Marines who mobilized to Los Angeles to defend Federal functions against the rampant lawlessness occurring in the city.” This statement underscores the Pentagon’s justification for the Pentagon deployment, framing it as a necessary measure against perceived disorder.
However, local leaders have consistently challenged the necessity and impact of the federal troops. Mayor Karen Bass hailed the latest troop departure as “another win for Los Angeles,” echoing sentiments that the federal presence served to inflame tensions rather than alleviate them, particularly among communities sensitive to enforcement actions.
An instance that highlighted these tensions was a July 7 operation at MacArthur Park, an area with significant Mexican, Central American, and other immigrant populations, where National Guard troops accompanied federal authorities with guns and horses before the operation abruptly concluded. This event further fueled concerns about the nature of the military’s role.
Despite the high-profile nature of the initial deployment, a vast majority of the troops remained at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, largely unseen in active deployment within Los Angeles. The city and region have recently experienced largely small, scattered, and impromptu protests primarily focused on immigration arrests, rather than widespread civil unrest.
Governor Newsom notably sued the federal government in June over the Pentagon deployment of the National Guard, arguing that activating the troops without his notification violated state law. Newsom also sought an emergency judicial order to halt troops from assisting in immigration raids, signaling a strong stance against unauthorized federal intervention in state matters.
