President Trump has decided to send National Guard troops to Los Angeles, a move that has sparked significant controversy. This decision comes despite strong opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who argues that the deployment is unnecessary and could escalate tensions amid ongoing protests against immigration enforcement.
On June 7, 2025, Trump announced the activation of the National Guard under Title 10, a provision that allows the president to call troops into federal service. He stated that the purpose of this action is to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel during their operations. The president’s memo cited “numerous incidents of violence and disorder,” claiming that federal facilities are under threat.
This deployment is particularly notable because such federal activation of the National Guard has rarely been used in recent history. Legal experts have expressed concern about the implications of using military forces to address civil unrest. Erwin Chemerinsky, a prominent constitutional law scholar, described the president’s actions as “chilling,” suggesting it could represent a dangerous precedent for using military power against domestic protests.
The announcement was made as protests erupted in Los Angeles, with demonstrators confronting ICE agents during immigration raids. Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s “border czar,” defended the decision, stating that the government would not apologize for enforcing immigration laws. He emphasized that the National Guard would be mobilized to ensure the safety of federal personnel and to maintain order.
Newsom criticized the federal intervention, arguing that local law enforcement was already capable of handling the situation. He described the president’s decision as a “purposefully inflammatory” action that could exacerbate the already tense environment. The governor and Trump spoke for about 40 minutes regarding the deployment, but their conversation did not lead to any resolution.
In addition to the National Guard, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that if violence continues, active-duty Marines could also be deployed. This statement was met with outrage from Newsom, who condemned the threat as “deranged” and inappropriate for a situation involving U.S. citizens.
Critics of the deployment, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have called it an abuse of power. They argue that using federal troops to quell protests is unnecessary and undermines democratic principles. Historically, the use of the National Guard under Title 10 for domestic issues is rare, and there are legal restrictions on how they can assist local law enforcement.
The situation in Los Angeles remains tense as protests continue. Local authorities have reported that many demonstrations have remained peaceful, contrasting sharply with the federal government’s portrayal of the events. As the National Guard prepares to mobilize, the debate over the appropriateness of military involvement in civilian matters is likely to intensify.