Pentagon Withdraws Most National Guard Troops from Los Angeles

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The Pentagon has confirmed the withdrawal of over 1,350 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, leaving only 250 personnel to continue protecting federal buildings and assets. The decision follows weeks of mounting legal and political opposition to their presence, which was initially prompted by unrest tied to federal immigration enforcement operations.

The military deployment began in June, following a series of high-profile immigration raids that sparked widespread protests across Los Angeles County. Demonstrations flared in areas such as Compton, the Fashion District, and near the Metropolitan Detention Center, where confrontations between protesters and law enforcement escalated. Officers used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds, and dozens of arrests were reported.

President Donald Trump had authorized the use of up to 2,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines under federal Title 10 authority. Their mission was to secure federal personnel and property, not to engage directly in immigration enforcement or make arrests.

Local and state leaders strongly opposed the deployment. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass denounced the federal action as an overreach and filed a lawsuit demanding the return of control over the state’s National Guard. Newsom argued the move violated state sovereignty and escalated tensions unnecessarily.

As public and legal pressure mounted, the number of deployed troops began to decrease. Earlier this month, 700 Marines were withdrawn, and the latest drawdown reduces the remaining force to a fraction of its original size.

Protests continue despite the reduced military presence. Activist groups and Los Angeles County officials are pushing for greater accountability from law enforcement agencies. A proposed ordinance would require federal and local officers to visibly display identification while on duty, a response to reports of unmarked personnel engaging with protesters.

While state officials view the troop withdrawal as a win for local governance, federal authorities maintain that the remaining deployment is essential to prevent unrest and safeguard federal property. The situation in Los Angeles reflects an ongoing power struggle between federal enforcement priorities and state-level demands for autonomy and civil accountability.