Key Facts
• On June 7, 2025, 2,000 National Guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles.
• Days later, an additional 2,000 troops were sent to address escalating protests.
• On July 15, 2025, the Department of Defense announced the withdrawal of 2,000 troops.
• Protests were sparked by stricter immigration enforcement by ICE and Homeland Security.
• Defense Secretary approved the release of 2,000 California National Guard members.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom demanded the return of all National Guard troops.
• Newsom criticized the prolonged deployment as a political tool by the Trump administration.
• Protests have calmed over the past month, but federal immigration crackdowns continue.
• Recent raids on marijuana farms led to over 300 arrests, one death, and multiple injuries.
Summary
The U.S. Department of Defense announced the withdrawal of 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles on July 15, 2025. These troops were initially deployed in June to manage protests against stricter immigration enforcement by ICE and Homeland Security. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment, calling it a misuse of the National Guard for political purposes. While protests have subsided, federal immigration crackdowns in Southern California persist, with recent raids resulting in over 300 arrests, one death, and several injuries. Newsom has urged the Trump administration to return all remaining troops to their communities.
