Pentagon Pulls Marines and National Guard from Los Angeles After Controversial Deployment

The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of 700 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 ICE enforcement actions. Local and state officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized the deployment as unnecessary, politically motivated, and a misuse of military resources. Reports indicate that the troops saw little action during their stay, with some expressing low morale and skepticism about the mission's purpose.

The withdrawal is being hailed by critics as a victory for local governance and a rebuke of using the military for domestic political objectives.