National Guard Troop Withdrawal in Los Angeles Ordered by Defense Secretary

The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has authorized the removal of 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles. This decision, announced by the Pentagon, significantly reduces the number of troops deployed in the city. The initial deployment had been a point of contention.

The deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles was ordered by President Donald Trump last month. This action was in response to protests related to federal immigration enforcement activities. City leaders and California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the deployment.

A Pentagon spokesman, Sean Parnell, stated that the situation in Los Angeles was improving. He attributed this to the efforts of the troops. He confirmed that the Secretary had ordered the release of a significant number of California National Guardsmen from the federal protection mission.

Mayor Karen Bass attributed the withdrawal to peaceful protests and legal challenges. She described the move as a "retreat." The Mayor emphasized the unity and strength of the people of Los Angeles in achieving this outcome.

Los Angeles, a "sanctuary city" with a large undocumented population, has been a focus of the Trump administration. The deployment of troops followed unrest and protests sparked by immigration enforcement raids. President Trump had previously exaggerated the extent of the unrest.

The deployment marked the first time since 1965 that a US president had deployed the National Guard against the wishes of a state governor. Governor Newsom had argued that the troops were not needed to address the largely peaceful protests. California is currently engaged in legal action against the Trump administration regarding the deployment.