U.S. military to remove 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles

The Trump administration has directed around 2,000 California National Guard members to start demobilizing from their federal mission in Los Angeles, the Pentagon announced.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the decision to begin withdrawal reflects progress.

“Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding.”

The removal of half of the 4,000 National Guard troops comes despite strong opposition from California officials. The deployment began in early June under Title 10 authority, which permits federal activation during rebellions or when local law enforcement is deemed insufficient.

Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move as an unprecedented federal overreach and filed a lawsuit to block the deployment.

Even after the withdrawal of those military personnel from LA, 2,000 National Guard troops will remain in the city along with the roughly 700 Marines. 

“For more than a month, the National Guard has been pulled away from their families, and communities,” Newsom said, expressing frustration over what he described as a mission lacking clear purpose.

Federal officials defended the deployment, arguing that local law enforcement failed to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.

Local leaders have disputed these claims and warned that the federal presence may have escalated tensions rather than eased them.

During a visit to Los Angeles, Vice President JD Vance called the federal response 'very much necessary,' noting improvements in the situation on the ground.

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