Pentagon chief pulls 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles following backlash

WASHINGTON, July 16 — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to withdraw from Los Angeles, effectively cutting the federal deployment in the city by half, the Pentagon announced yesterday.

The original deployment was ordered by President Donald Trump last month in response to protests sparked by federal immigration raids—a move that faced strong opposition from Los Angeles officials and California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.

"The lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding, thanks to the brave troops who answered the call," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement. "As a result, the secretary has directed the release of 2,000 California National Guardsmen (79th IBCT) from the federal protection mission."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the troop withdrawal as a "retreat," attributing it to community efforts. “This outcome is the result of our unity. We protested peacefully, rallied together, and challenged the Trump administration in court—our collective actions brought about today’s decision,” she said.

Designated a “sanctuary city,” Los Angeles, home to hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants, has frequently clashed with the Trump administration since his return to office in January.

Following last month’s immigration raids, which triggered demonstrations and unrest, Trump sent in the National Guard and U.S. Marines—despite criticisms that he overstated the severity of the situation.

The move marked the first time since 1965 that a president deployed federal troops over the objections of a state governor. Governor Newsom has maintained that the protests were largely peaceful and did not warrant military involvement.

California has taken legal action to challenge the federal deployment, arguing that Trump exceeded his authority. However, the troops have been permitted to stay on for the time being. — AFP