Pentagon Pulls Troops from Los Angeles After Controversial Immigration Protest Deployment

The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of 700 active-duty Marines and 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, ending a rare and controversial military deployment to a major U.S. 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 politically motivated, calling for the immediate removal of all military personnel. Reports from within the ranks described low morale and a lack of clear mission, with many troops spending their time idle.

The withdrawal marks a return to civilian control after weeks of tension and debate over the militarization of domestic law enforcement.