Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jul 16: The Pentagon on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, ending nearly half of the federal military presence in the city deployed amid mass protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Since early June, about 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines have been stationed in the region to protect federal buildings and support immigration enforcement operations.

The sudden end to the 60-day deployment has raised questions, as officials did not clarify what triggered the decision or how long the remaining troops would continue operations in Los Angeles.

"Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding," said Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell.

The deployment was initiated by President Donald Trump, despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who filed a lawsuit to block it. While a federal judge initially ruled Trump’s action illegal, an appeals court allowed the administration to maintain control of the troops. The legal battle remains unresolved.

Governor Newsom criticized the deployment, calling it a political move that disrupted the lives of citizen-soldiers. “The National Guard's deployment to Los Angeles County has pulled troops away from their families and civilian work to serve as political pawns for the President,” he said.

He further slammed the continued presence of remaining troops as directionless and unnecessary. “We call on Trump and the Department of Defense to end this theater and send everyone home now,” Newsom said.

The controversy continues to underscore deep divisions between the White House and California’s leadership over immigration policy and the militarization of domestic law enforcement.