150 California Guard Troops Return to Wildfire Duty

Approximately 150 California National Guard troops, previously deployed to Los Angeles for federal protection during immigration protests, will be released and reassigned to wildfire-fighting duties following a recommendation by Gen. Gregory Guillot and approval from the Secretary of Defense. President Trump deployed over 4,000 Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to protect federal buildings amid anti-ICE protests, a move strongly criticized by Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for reducing essential wildfire resources. Newsom welcomed the partial withdrawal but continues to push for the return of all Guard personnel to their original assignments, citing urgent wildfire needs. Legal challenges by Newsom against the federalization of the Guard are ongoing. The majority of troops remain stationed in Los Angeles, and no timeline has been set for their full release. The troop reassignment comes as California faces escalating wildfire threats and strained emergency resources.