President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles. This decision comes as a response to ongoing immigration protests, despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
This isn’t the first time Trump has called on the National Guard to manage protests. In 2020, he requested troops from various states to help control demonstrations following the death of George Floyd. While many governors complied, others chose to keep their troops at home.
In this latest move, Trump is acting against the wishes of Newsom, who normally has command over California’s National Guard. Trump argues that federalizing the troops is necessary to tackle what he describes as “lawlessness” in the state. Newsom, however, has labeled the action as “purposely inflammatory” and believes it will only heighten tensions.
The legal framework surrounding the deployment of troops on U.S. soil is somewhat unclear. Generally, federal military forces cannot engage in civilian law enforcement unless there is a declared emergency. Trump did not invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow for more direct military intervention. Instead, he used a federal law that allows him to federalize National Guard troops under specific circumstances, placing them under his command rather than the governor’s.
The law permits such actions during invasions, rebellions, or when the president cannot enforce U.S. laws with regular forces. However, it also states that orders should typically go through state governors, raising questions about Trump’s authority in this situation.
According to Trump’s proclamation, the National Guard troops will support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during their operations, rather than directly engaging in law enforcement. Legal experts warn that this could lead to situations where troops may use force while protecting ICE personnel, which could escalate tensions further.
Historically, the National Guard has been mobilized for various emergencies, including natural disasters and public health crises. Their deployment usually occurs with the agreement of the state’s governor.
In past instances, such as during the Civil Rights Movement, the Insurrection Act was used to protect activists. More recently, President George H.W. Bush deployed troops to Los Angeles in 1992 after riots erupted following the acquittal of police officers in the Rodney King case.
Trump’s willingness to use military force on U.S. soil has been a topic of discussion since his first term. He has indicated that he might not hesitate to take similar actions in the future if he is re-elected. Following his announcement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned that active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton are also on standby, ready to be mobilized if violence escalates.
This situation reflects ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the role of federal troops in managing civil unrest. As events unfold, the implications of Trump’s decision will likely continue to spark debate and concern among state officials and the public.