Trump officials to reduce the presence of the National Guard in Los Angeles by 50% marks a significant shift in policy regarding domestic security and immigration enforcement. The initial deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops was primarily aimed at supporting federal immigration activities and protecting federal buildings . This reduction reflects a broader reassessment of the role that military resources play in domestic law enforcement and immigration policies.
The decision comes after Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard members on June 7, and then an additional 2,000 several days later. The National Guard has now been deployed for over a month, although it is not immediately clear how many have been added or removed over that time.
California National Guard was called up in response to protests in the Los Angeles area as the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security increased enforcement in Southern California. Protests sprung up in different spots across Los Angeles County, but were mostly focused in areas of downtown Los Angeles where federal law enforcement had a more visible presence.
Even with the 2,000 troops headed home, that still leaves another 2,000 in the Guard and 700 Marines activated in the area.
After learning of the troop reduction Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for all remaining military personnel in L.A. to be sent home.
“Thousands of members are still federalized in Los Angeles for no reason and unable to carry out their critical duties across the state,” Newsom posted on X. “End this theater and send everyone home.”
L.A. County.  
Once they arrived, the troops were tasked with guarding federal buildings and protecting federal immigration agents during enforcement operations.  
The state took the Trump administration to court where a federal judge ruled that the president acted illegally when he federalized the National Guard without a request from Governor Gavin Newsom. That decision, however, was later overturned by an appeals court, which returned control of the troops back to Trump while the case remains ongoing. 
This reduction may be interpreted as a response to ongoing criticisms regarding the militarization of local law enforcement agencies. Critics argue that deploying military personnel for civilian operations can exacerbate tensions between communities and law enforcement, particularly among marginalized populations . The decision to cut troop numbers could signal an attempt to recalibrate this relationship, fostering a more community-oriented approach rather than one characterized by military oversight.
Moreover, this move raises questions about the future of immigration policy under the Trump administration. While reducing troop presence could alleviate some public concerns about militarized enforcement tactics, it also presents challenges for ensuring border security and managing immigration effectively . As national discourse on these issues evolves, balancing security with civil liberties will remain a crucial challenge for policymakers moving forward.
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