Los angeles: The Trump administration has commenced the withdrawal of approximately 2,000 California National Guard members from their federal mission in Los Angeles, following more than a month of deployment initiated by President Donald Trump. This decision was taken despite strong opposition from state officials, as confirmed by the Pentagon.
According to Anadolu Agency, the troops were activated in early June under Title 10 authority, which permits the president to federalize the National Guard during a 'rebellion' or when standard forces are unable to enforce US law. California Governor Gavin Newsom had strongly opposed the deployment, labeling it an 'unprecedented power grab' and pursuing legal action against the administration to prevent it.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, "Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding." Approximately half of the deployed Guard members are now set to return home. However, Governor Newsom continues to advocate for a complete withdrawal, expressing concern over the prolonged absence of National Guard members from their families and communities.
"For more than a month, the National Guard has been pulled away from their families, communities, and civilian work to serve as political pawns for the President in Los Angeles," Newsom expressed. "While nearly 2,000 of them are starting to demobilize, the remaining guards members continue without a mission, without direction and without any hopes of returning to help their communities."
Critics, including Newsom and other local leaders, argue that the deployment was unnecessary and risked escalating tensions. In contrast, federal officials maintained that local law enforcement inadequately protected Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a claim denied by local authorities. Initially, a federal judge sided with Newsom, but an appeals court later upheld the president's authority, allowing the mission to proceed.
Recently, during a visit to Los Angeles, Vice President JD Vance defended the federal response, asserting that it was 'very much necessary' and credited it with improving the situation.