Trump eases immigration crackdown? 2,000 National Guard troops to leave Los Angeles; Newsom calls them ‘political pawns of president'
The Pentagon has ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to leave Los Angeles, scaling down a deployment that began in response to protests against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
The decision to withdraw nearly half of the soldiers stationed in the city was made on Tuesday amid ongoing tensions.
About 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines had been stationed across LA since early June.
Officials did not provide a clear reason for the sudden move, but it appeared to be a step back from the heavy military presence that had previously drawn criticism from LA mayor Karen Bass and California governor Gavin Newsom.
The Trump administration's decision to deploy troops had sparked widespread protests. On June 8, demonstrators flooded city streets, blocked a major freeway, and clashed with police using rubber bullets, tear gas, and flash bangs. In the chaos, several Waymo driverless cars were set on fire.
The unrest continued the following day, as officers pushed protesters using flash bangs and projectiles. Bystanders, including restaurant workers, rushed to get out of the way.
In response, mayor Karen Bass imposed a week-long curfew.
By Tuesday afternoon, there was no sign of military presence at the downtown federal complex, which had been the centre of early protests. National Guard troops had first secured the area before Marines were assigned to protect federal buildings. Some soldiers had also helped with immigration operations in the city.
Newsom had strongly opposed the deployment and sued the federal government, arguing it violated both state rights and the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the military from performing law enforcement duties on American soil.
Although a federal judge first ruled in favour of Newsom, a higher court later overturned the decision, letting the federal government keep control of the Guard. The court is expected to hear more arguments next month.
In a statement following the Pentagon's decision, Newsom criticised the ongoing mission. 'The National Guard's deployment to Los Angeles County has pulled troops away from their families and civilian work to serve as political pawns for the President,' he said.
He added, 'We call on Trump and the Department of Defense to end this theatre and send everyone home now.'
The withdrawal of troops follows last week's heavily criticised federal operation at MacArthur Park, where troops and agents arrived with guns and horses. Department of homeland security (DHS) declined to explain the mission or confirm any arrests, with locals accusing the move of being a show of intimidation.
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