National Guard Troops Partially Withdrawn from Los Angeles Following Protests
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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete hegseth has ordered the removal of half of the 4,000 National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel during recent protests. The Pentagon cited the mission’s success as the reason for the partial withdrawal.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, “Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding.” U.S. President Donald Trump initially deployed the troops in June, alongside approximately 700 Marines, to address protests stemming from immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This deployment occured despite opposition from Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
A U.S. appeals court upheld President Trump’s authority to control California’s National Guard, even amidst legal challenges. The decision to deploy military personnel to Los Angeles sparked a national discussion regarding the use of the military on domestic soil and heightened political tensions in the city.
The Pentagon defended the deployment, emphasizing that safeguarding ICE agents is crucial for their operational effectiveness.Following the withdrawal, 2,000 National Guard troops and roughly 700 Marines will remain in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who had previously voiced concerns about the necessity and economic impact of the military presence, attributed the withdrawal to public opposition. Protesters have consistently demonstrated against immigration raids in the Los Angeles area, opposing the government’s use of force.
“This happened as the people of Los Angeles stood united and stood strong,” mayor Bass commented. “We organized peaceful protests, we came together at rallies, we took the Trump governance to court – all of this led to today’s retreat.” She also referenced a lawsuit that resulted in a federal judge’s order preventing immigration officers from detaining individuals based solely on race or language.
while the troops in Los Angeles are authorized to detain individuals posing a threat to federal personnel or property until local police can make an arrest, military officials are not permitted to conduct arrests themselves.
Evergreen Insights: National Guard Deployment in U.S. Cities
The deployment of National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement or security purposes is a complex issue with historical precedent. The Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement, but exceptions exist, particularly for situations involving national security or when authorized by law. The use of the National Guard in such scenarios often sparks debate about the balance between federal authority, state control, and civil liberties. Historical instances, such as the response to civil unrest in the mid-20th century, highlight the evolving role and perception of the National Guard in domestic affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Los Angeles National Guard Deployment
- Why were national Guard troops sent to Los Angeles?
- National Guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel during protests related to immigration raids.
- Who ordered the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Los Angeles?
- U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the partial withdrawal of the National guard troops.
- What is the Pentagon’s reason for the troop withdrawal?
- The Pentagon stated the decision was due to the success of the mission and the subsiding of lawlessness.
- How many National Guard troops remain in Los Angeles?
- Two thousand National Guard troops will remain in Los Angeles after the partial withdrawal.
- What was Mayor Karen Bass’s stance on the National Guard deployment?
- Mayor Karen Bass believed the military force was unnecessary and damaging to the local economy, attributing the withdrawal to popular opposition.
- Are the national Guard troops authorized to make arrests in Los Angeles?
- No, military officials are not allowed to carry out arrests; they can detain individuals until police can make an arrest.
This content does not constitute legal, financial, or health advice.
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