National Guard Detains Civilians During Los Angeles Immigration Protests

National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids have temporarily detained civilians but promptly handed them over to local law enforcement, according to Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, commander of Task Force 51. Around 500 Guard members have been specially trained to accompany immigration agents on enforcement operations, marking an escalation from their prior role of securing federal property during protests. Despite a recent decline in detentions as tensions eased, Sherman warned of a potential increase in unrest nationwide and remains focused on maintaining order in Los Angeles. The deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines was ordered by President Donald Trump, who defended the move against criticism from California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who called the deployment unnecessary and politically motivated. The protests continue in Los Angeles and other cities, with some demonstrators facing charges related to vandalism and assaults on officers. The situation remains fluid, with local leaders and the Trump administration at odds over the military's role in the immigration-related unrest.