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 response to widespread protests against federal immigration raids and the Trump administration's immigration policies. Local and state officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized the deployment as unnecessary and politically motivated, arguing it was a misuse of military resources. Reports from within the ranks described low morale and little actual engagement, with many troops questioning the purpose of their mission.

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