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More than 1,000 National Guard troops to withdraw from LA as Trump scales back presence
National Guard troops stand in front of military vehicles at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
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Andy Cheatwood
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LAist
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Topline:
The Pentagon on Wednesday released about 1,350 California National Guard troops from their mission in Los Angeles that started in June in response to protests against ramped-up federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Why it matters: Local officials said the presence of the troops enflamed tensions in the community and fueled destructive protests against ICE sweeps across the region. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, who along with Gov. Gavin Newsom has been publicly critical of the deployment, called the move "another win for Los Angeles" in a post on X, adding: "We will continue this pressure until ALL troops are out of L.A."
The backstory: In early June, the Trump administration deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, saying they were needed to protect federal agents and buildings from protesters. Earlier this month, all 700 marines were withdrawn from the city. Bass and Newsom, however, called it a political move that was meant to provoke demonstrators.
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The context: The latest release comes weeks after the Pentagon withdrew roughly 2,000 troops in mid-July.
What's next: Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement that roughly 250 California National Guard troops will remain in Los Angeles to protect federal personnel and property. Gov. Gavin Newson noted in a statement that all but 300 troops remain on the ground, and called on President Donald Trump to " allow the remaining soldiers to go back to their families, communities, and civilian professions as doctors, law enforcement and teachers.”
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