U.S. Orders Withdrawal of 2,000 National Guard Troops from Los Angeles Amid Easing Protests

Washington DC, July 15, 2025: The U.S. Department of Defense has announced the removal of 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, signalling a partial drawdown of the large military presence that had been deployed last month to quell widespread protests.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who credited the success of the security mission for the decision.

"Lawlessness is Subsiding" Says Pentagon

In a formal statement, Parnell said:

“Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding. As such, the Secretary has ordered the release of 2,000 California National Guardsmen from the federal protection mission.”

The order was issued by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, marking a significant shift in the government’s approach to handling civil unrest in America’s second-most-populous city.

Background: Trump’s Controversial Deployment

The troops were originally deployed in June 2025 on the orders of former President Donald Trump following large-scale protests that erupted in Los Angeles.

The protests were triggered by workplace immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, which sparked outrage among immigrant communities and their supporters.

Trump’s decision to send 4,000 National Guard troops — plus an additional 700 U.S. Marines — was made over the objections of California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom.

Newsom had argued that a federal military presence would inflame tensions rather than calm them.

Federal Control Despite Legal Challenges

The deployment was met with immediate legal challenges, as critics argued it violated state authority and set a dangerous precedent for federal intervention in local law enforcement.

However, a U.S. appeals court upheld Trump’s authority to retain control of California’s National Guard under federal command.

This allowed the deployment to proceed despite pushback from California state officials and civil liberties groups, who warned of militarisation of domestic policing.

Mission to Protect Federal Property and Personnel

According to the Pentagon, the National Guard troops were sent to protect federal buildings, facilities, and personnel during a period of heightened unrest.

ICE agents had faced threats and intimidation during their workplace raids, prompting calls for federal reinforcement.

The Pentagon argued that securing federal property and ensuring ICE could safely perform its duties were legitimate national security interests.

Spokesperson Parnell stressed that the deployment had successfully restored order around key sites in the city.

Details of the Withdrawal

With Tuesday’s order, 2,000 National Guard troops will be withdrawn from Los Angeles immediately.

However, another 2,000 National Guard troops will remain in the city to continue providing security support, alongside the 700 Marines who were also deployed during the crisis.

Pentagon officials said the drawdown reflects improved conditions on the ground and the expectation that local law enforcement can manage any remaining tensions with reduced federal support.

Political Fallout and National Debate

The deployment and its aftermath have stirred fierce political debate across the United States.

Critics accused Trump of politicising the military and using federal troops to intimidate protesters in a deeply Democratic city, exacerbating divisions at a time of high national tension over immigration policy and civil rights.

Supporters of the deployment argued it was necessary to stop violence and protect federal agents performing lawful duties.

Governor Newsom and other California officials maintained that local police were capable of handling the situation without federal intervention.

ICE Raids Sparked Protests

The protests that led to the military deployment were set off by large-scale immigration raids carried out by ICE agents at workplaces across Los Angeles.

These raids resulted in hundreds of detentions and drew condemnation from immigrant-rights groups, unions, and community leaders.

Demonstrators accused the Trump administration of terrorising immigrant communities and violating human rights, staging sit-ins, marches, and blockades around ICE facilities.

The protests turned confrontational in some areas, with vandalism, clashes with police, and widespread arrests.

Concerns Over Militarisation of Law Enforcement

The use of National Guard troops and Marines inside U.S. cities has revived longstanding concerns about the militarisation of domestic policing.

Civil liberties groups warn that relying on military forces to control protests threatens constitutional rights to free speech and assembly.

Critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent for using federal troops against American citizens in purely civilian contexts.

Legal experts note that while the federal government can federalise the National Guard, doing so over the opposition of state leaders risks undermining state sovereignty.

Trump’s Strategy and Its Impact

Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including these raids and military deployments, were central to his 2024 election platform and remain a major point of contention in American politics.

He has argued that strict enforcement is necessary to deter illegal immigration and uphold the rule of law, framing the protests as lawless riots that threatened public safety.

Opponents see it as part of a broader strategy to appeal to anti-immigrant sentiment, divide voters, and use authoritarian tactics against political dissent.

Governor Newsom’s Stance

Governor Gavin Newsom has consistently criticised the federal deployment as an abuse of power.

He argues it was imposed without proper consultation and overrode the state’s ability to manage its own security.

Newsom and other state leaders have pledged to continue supporting immigrant communities and to challenge what they call “heavy-handed” federal tactics.

Legal Challenges and Court Rulings

Legal challenges were filed immediately after Trump’s order federalising the California National Guard.

Plaintiffs argued it violated constitutional limits on federal authority over state-controlled forces.

But in a significant ruling, a U.S. appeals court sided with the federal government, finding that the Insurrection Act and other federal laws gave the President broad powers to deploy the Guard in cases of civil disorder threatening federal interests.

This decision effectively cleared the way for Trump’s move, although it remains politically divisive and may still face appeal to the Supreme Court.

What Happens Next?

With the withdrawal order now in effect, Los Angeles will see half of the National Guard troops sent home.

But 2,000 Guardsmen and 700 Marines will remain on duty in the city for the time being.

Pentagon officials say they will review the security situation continually and make further reductions if conditions permit.

Local law enforcement will also continue coordinating with federal agencies to monitor protests and any potential unrest.

Broader Implications

The episode highlights deepening divisions in American society over:

✅ Immigration enforcement
✅ Federal vs state authority
✅ The use of military force against civilians

It has also intensified the 2025 presidential campaign debate, with Trump doubling down on his approach and opponents accusing him of trampling civil liberties.

Conclusion

The Pentagon’s decision to withdraw 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles marks a partial end to a deeply controversial chapter in the city's recent history.

While officials hail it as evidence that order has been restored, the political wounds and debates it has exposed are far from healed.

As 2,000 Guardsmen and 700 Marines remain, the city continues to grapple with the aftershocks of the protests, the federal response, and the national conversation about immigration, security, and the balance of power in America’s democracy.

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