Photo: BENJAMIN HANSON / AFP / Getty Images
The Pentagon has withdrawn 1,350 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, leaving about 250 to protect federal staff and property, according to a report from the New York Times. This move marks a reduction in President Trump's deployment of the National Guard, which began on June 7 in response to anti-ICE protests across Southern California.
At the height of the deployment, nearly 5,000 National Guard members were sent to Los Angeles to address protests sparked by immigration raids. The Trump administration's decision to deploy troops was met with opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Both leaders criticized the deployment as unnecessary and potentially illegal.
Governor Newsom sued the federal government, arguing that the deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement. Although a federal judge initially ruled in Newsom's favor, an appeals court overturned the decision, allowing the federal government to maintain control over the troops.
Despite the withdrawal, Mayor Bass described the reduction as a "retreat" and emphasized the importance of continued peaceful protests. She stated, "We will not stop making our voices heard until this ends, not just here in LA, but throughout our country." The remaining troops are expected to continue their mission of protecting federal facilities in the city.
The cost of deploying the Marines and National Guard soldiers is estimated to be around $134 million. As the situation in Los Angeles stabilizes, state officials and military leaders are hopeful for a resolution that will allow the remaining troops to return home.