On June 7, the very same day, President Donald Trump announced that he would deploy 3,000 California National Guard members. Their mandate right now is to keep the angled protests under control in LA. Protesters filled streets on June 6, following U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. This response brought about a severe counter-response that stirred protest across the entire city. Local officials took to Twitter to voice their outrage at Trump’s choice. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom described it as an unjustified escalation of the crisis.
This was signed by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), who admitted to deploying the National Guard. They are mostly based out of local federal facilities. On May 4, U.S. Northern Command released a press statement touting the fact that these troops have been “federalized.” In response, they explained that 300 of their members are permanently placed about three specific high traffic transit hubs around Los Angeles.
Local Officials Respond
Mayor Bass expressed concerns about the deployment, stating, “Just to be clear, the National Guard has not been deployed in the City of Los Angeles.” Governor Newsom echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that he had formally requested the Trump Administration to rescind the deployment and return the troops to his command.
In a statement released via social media, Newsom pointed out that when Trump made his announcement, “Donald Trump’s National Guard had not been deployed on the ground.” This comment specifically focused on the ambiguity created making it unclear when the deployment went into effect and what its intended purpose was.
Despite local officials’ criticisms, Trump praised the National Guard’s response to the protests. He remarked on June 8, “Great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest.” He would go on to write, “Great job by the National Guard, Thank you!” These statements came just minutes after the first reports began trickling in about the National Guard’s deployment to Los Angeles.
Details of the Deployment
California Army National Guard members confirmed California Army National Guard have been deployed. They are deployed to three varied locations across Los Angeles. The first media reports regarding this deployment appeared on June 8 at around 06:00 PDT, confirming that troops were indeed on the ground.
Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom, provided further details about the timing of the deployment, stating that troops were sent out between 02:00 PDT and 04:00 PDT on June 8. This account highlights the quick mobilization of military assets in reaction to rising tensions.
California National Guard members working with the Department of Homeland Security. Combined, they kept workers and visitors secure at all federal buildings. U.S. Northern Command argued that its importance for directing troops to the hardest-hit areas was made clear. Their mission includes protection of federal personnel and properties in greater Los Angeles periphery.
Continued Tensions
The deployment of the National Guard has done little but exacerbate an already inflamed situation across Los Angeles. Community protests against ICE raids have led to an unprecedented public uproar. These tragic events have spurred many other community leaders to become outspoken advocates for a more humane approach to immigration enforcement.
There’s a big disconnect between local officials and the federal government on immigration policy. This gap underscores the longstanding divide over police use of force. Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom’s criticisms mirror a greater unease among city residents about the use of military force to address civil issues.
As protests erupt in Los Angeles, federal response remains unclear as inter-agency coordination has been on the front lines of any crisis. The situation highlights both the challenges faced by local leadership amid national policies and the potential ramifications of deploying military resources in urban environments.
