California National Guard Supports Large-Scale Immigration Raid in Los Angeles

President Donald Trump has deployed approximately 4,700 troops to California, including about 90 members of the California National Guard and active duty Marines, to support immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles. These military personnel, accompanied by vehicles such as Humvees and tactical ambulances, are securing federal agents during raids like the one at MacArthur Park, a neighborhood with a large immigrant population. While not directly involved in law enforcement activities such as arrests, the troops' primary role is to protect immigration officers and maintain security perimeters amid potential unrest. This increased military presence aligns with Trump's intensified efforts to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, marking a significant use of military forces in domestic immigration enforcement, a move uncommon among previous U.S. presidents. Officials emphasize that service members are clearly distinguished from law enforcement to avoid public confusion, though the scale of the operation has raised concerns among local leaders and immigrant communities. The deployment reflects ongoing political tensions around immigration and the expanding role of the military in civilian law enforcement contexts.