Tuesday, the Trump administration announced it would terminate the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles. This decision marks a reduction by half of the troops deployed last month, following protests against immigration raids in the city and nearby regions.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated, “Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding,” when announcing this decision.
Protests initially began peacefully, according to reporter Jayson Campadonia.
In response to the protests, the Trump administration deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and approximately 700 Marines to LA last month. It was the first time in decades a president has federalized troops, bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority. Demonstrations were against the US president’s immigration policies, and Newsom opposed this decision.
The deployment diverted troops away from their duties in fighting wildfires as California entered peak wildfire season. National Guard troops typically respond to natural disasters, combat missions, counterdrug efforts, or reconstruction projects.
Newsom criticized the Trump administration, stating that the National Guard troops were politicized as pawns to serve the president’s agenda. He called for an end to this “theater” and for all troops to go home.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass applauded the troops’ departure and called for continued vocal opposition to the deployment of the National Guard soldiers.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/trump-to-end-deployment-of-2-000-national-guard-troops-in-la/a-73290858?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
