LOS ANGELES — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has officially commanded the withdrawal of 2,000 National Guard members previously stationed in Los Angeles. Their presence was part of a federal response to significant protests that arose following a wave of immigration enforcement actions carried out across the city.
Last month, communities reacted strongly to a series of federal immigration raids, sparking large demonstrations throughout Los Angeles. These actions, seen by many as overly aggressive and unjust, led to public outrage and street protests demanding change. The unrest prompted the Trump administration to dispatch National Guard troops in an effort to safeguard public infrastructure and manage the growing tension.
Yet, state authorities in California were quick to challenge the move. Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside other state leaders, sharply criticized the troop deployment, branding it a misuse of federal power. They asserted that the federal government should not respond to civilian protests with military might, calling instead for more measured, law-enforcement-led responses rooted in community engagement.
Following weeks of decreasing unrest, the Pentagon has begun withdrawing the National Guard from the city. Spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the role the troops played in stabilizing the situation. “Our personnel helped maintain security and reduce the risk of further conflict,” he said in a statement.
The redeployment signals an end to a contentious chapter in the broader national conversation over immigration, civil liberties, and the military’s role in domestic affairs. Still, immigrant rights groups and local advocates argue that many of the concerns that sparked the demonstrations remain unaddressed — particularly regarding the conduct of federal immigration agents and the treatment of vulnerable communities.
Governor Newsom reaffirmed California’s dedication to protecting its residents, promising ongoing legal and humanitarian support for those affected. “Our state will always stand for fairness, respect, and the rights of all individuals, regardless of status,” he said.
Though the streets may be quieter now, the broader debate over immigration enforcement, state sovereignty, and the federal government’s role in local matters remains far from settled.
