Pentagon Pulls Troops from Los Angeles After Controversial Immigration Protest Deployment

The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of 700 U.S. Marines and 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, ending a rare and controversial military deployment to a major American city.

The troops were originally sent in June in response to widespread protests against federal immigration raids and enforcement actions by ICE. Local and state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, criticized the deployment as unnecessary and provocative, arguing it was a political stunt by the Trump administration. Reports from within the ranks described low morale and little actual engagement, with many troops spending their time idle.

The withdrawal comes as stability returns to the city, but the episode has sparked debate over the militarization of domestic law enforcement and the use of federal troops in civil matters.