[Source/Observer Network Chen Sijia] In response to the outbreak of protests in Los Angeles, US President Trump has ordered military forces to be deployed to the area. According to a report by ABC on June 11, as of now, the US government has deployed 4,800 active-duty National Guard and Marine Corps personnel in Los Angeles, exceeding the number of US troops deployed in Iraq and Syria. The current number of US troops in Iraq is 2,500, and in Syria is 1,500.
Starting from June 6, federal agencies such as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have dispatched large numbers of law enforcement officers to carry out immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles and other places, triggering street confrontations, chaos, and conflicts. Protesters then held demonstrations in Los Angeles and clashed with local police.
Trump referred to the protesters in Los Angeles as "thugs" and "external enemies" during his speech at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (the largest US Army base) on June 10, and once again expressed that he would "liberate" Los Angeles.
On July 7, White House Press Secretary Letitia issued a statement saying that Trump signed a memorandum to deploy 2,000 National Guard personnel to Los Angeles. However, due to the ongoing escalation of unrest, the Department of Defense announced an increase in National Guard personnel on September 9. The US Northern Command also issued a statement saying that it will deploy Marines to Los Angeles.
ABC reported that as of June 10 local time, the Trump administration had deployed 4,800 active US military personnel to Los Angeles, including 4,100 National Guard personnel and 700 Marines. This number has exceeded the number of US troops in Iraq and Syria. Currently, there are 2,500 US troops in Iraq and 1,500 in Syria.
CNN reported that ICE released a photo showing National Guard personnel participating in operations in Los Angeles on June 10. In the photo, several National Guard soldiers were protecting two police officers carrying out arrest tasks. Multiple sources revealed that the task of the National Guard was to protect property and personnel, and their members had no authority to arrest protesters.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement released enforcement photos
Tricia McClaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated in a statement: "If any thug attacks ICE agents, military personnel have the right to temporarily detain them until law enforcement arrests them. Violence against ICE agents must stop."
Brian McDonald, Special Assistant to the US Secretary of Defense and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Audit, told the House Appropriations Committee's Defense Subcommittee on June 10 that the mobilization of Marines and National Guard would cost the Department of Defense approximately $134 million.
Since the Trump administration declared the deployment of the National Guard without the request of the California governor, this measure has caused strong dissatisfaction from the California government. Governor Newsom angrily condemned Trump for "not abiding by the US Constitution, overstepping authority, and creating fear and panic," and said: "This is a man-made crisis aimed at federalizing the California National Guard and undermining the foundation of America."
Newsom revealed on social media on September 9 that only about 300 out of the first 2,000 National Guard personnel sent to Los Angeles were on duty, while the rest were resting in federal buildings. The California Governor's Office also issued a statement saying that the deployment of Marines was unprecedented and unnecessary, and was "against compatriots," which would only escalate the situation.
On September 9 local time, the California government filed a lawsuit with the court, requesting the court to rule that President Trump's memorandum issued on July 7 and the Department of Defense's order to dispatch California National Guard personnel to the Los Angeles area were illegal, and requested the court to revoke the relevant orders. The California Attorney General's Office stated that the defendants in this case include Trump and Defense Secretary Hargis.
According to a report by The Hill, a federal judge in the United States rejected California's request on June 10. But Newsom's spokesperson said: "The court neither denied nor ruled on the governor's request for a temporary restraining order. The court is scheduled to hold a hearing on Thursday (June 12). After the federal government and state government submit additional materials, we expect the court to make a ruling on the request in the short term."
Hargis defended Trump's decision, stating that the deployment of the National Guard and Marines would last for 60 days, and relevant departments were ensuring they had housing and food. Trump also stated in the Oval Office of the White House on June 10 that the National Guard would continue to be deployed in Los Angeles "until the danger is eliminated."
However, as protests spread from Los Angeles to various parts of the United States, Texas Governor Abbott announced on social platform X on June 11 that the state would deploy the National Guard to maintain order. "Peaceful protests are legal. Hurting others or destroying property is illegal and will result in arrest. The Texas National Guard will use all tools and strategies to assist law enforcement in maintaining order."
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