700 U.S. Marines Withdraw from Los Angeles Deployment

The Pentagon has announced the withdrawal of roughly 700 U.S. Marines from Los Angeles, following the recent release of about 2,000 federalized National Guard troops who were deployed to manage immigration-related protests. This decision, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was framed as a response to improving stability in the city, with officials stating that the military presence sent a clear message that lawlessness would not be tolerated. The deployment, initiated by President Trump amid controversies and objections from local leaders including Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, faced criticism for being unnecessary and provocative. Local officials, veterans, and community members held a press conference welcoming the Marines' return to their bases and emphasizing the need to refocus National Guard efforts on fire season preparedness rather than immigration enforcement. Mayor Bass and State Senator Caroline Mejivar, a Marine Corps veteran, highlighted the social and economic impacts of the deployment and framed the withdrawal as a victory for community safety and military families. The Marines had been stationed primarily around federal buildings, including ICE offices, and their redeployment marks a de-escalation of the federal military presence in Los Angeles.