2,000 National Guard Troops Withdrawn From L.A.

The Trump administration announced the withdrawal of 2,000 California National Guard troops from Los Angeles, halving the federally deployed force sent in early June in response to protests over immigration enforcement raids. President Trump personally ordered the initial deployment, which also included 700 active-duty Marines, to protect federal buildings and support immigration operations despite state objections. The move followed tensions between the White House and California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who opposed the deployment and unsuccessfully challenged it in federal court. Pentagon officials stated that the situation in Los Angeles is stabilizing, but about 2,000 Guard members and the Marines will remain for now. Local leaders continue to call for a full withdrawal, criticizing the federalization as unnecessary and political. The episode highlights ongoing disputes over the use of military force in domestic affairs and the balance of federal and state authority during civil unrest.