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Trump Releases About Half of the National Guard Troops in Los Angeles

The New York Times's profile
Original Story by The New York Times
July 15, 2025
Trump Releases About Half of the National Guard Troops in Los Angeles

Context:

President Trump has decided to release approximately half of the National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles, marking a reduction in the military presence that was initially established to control protests against immigration raids. The deployment, which began on June 7, involved over 4,000 National Guard members and more than 700 active-duty Marines, and faced significant opposition from California's Democratic leaders. While the Trump administration deemed the military presence necessary to restore order, state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized it as an unlawful use of military force and demanded its end. Despite a court battle and public protests, the military presence persisted, although protests had largely ended by mid-June. The recent announcement of troop withdrawal was attributed to public resistance and organized peaceful protests led by Los Angeles residents and officials, including Mayor Karen Bass.

Dive Deeper:

  • On June 7, President Trump federalized and deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles to address protests against immigration raids, despite opposition from California's governor, who typically controls the state's National Guard.

  • The deployment included over 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines, and was criticized by state officials as an unlawful use of military force, leading to a legal battle to end the deployment.

  • While protests in Los Angeles had largely subsided by mid-June, with Mayor Karen Bass lifting a curfew on June 17, the military presence continued, drawing criticism from local leaders and residents.

  • Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Bass called for the immediate withdrawal of all troops, arguing that the National Guard had been used as political pawns and that the deployment lacked a clear mission.

  • The Trump administration announced the release of about 2,000 National Guard members, citing a reduction in lawlessness, but nearly 1,900 troops from the 49th Military Police Brigade remain in place.

  • Mayor Bass attributed the decision to public resistance, highlighting the impact of peaceful protests and legal actions taken by Los Angeles residents and officials against the Trump administration.

  • The ongoing presence of military troops in Los Angeles has been a contentious issue, with public demonstrations and legal challenges reflecting deep-seated opposition to federal intervention in state matters.

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