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 the Trump administration's enforcement actions. Local and state officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, strongly opposed the deployment, calling it unnecessary and politically motivated. Reports from within the ranks described low morale and a lack of clear mission, with many troops questioning their presence.

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