Los Angeles, July 15, 2025 — U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal of 2,000 National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, half of the troops initially present in the city. This announcement was made by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell and marks a turning point in a military mission that has deeply divided public opinion.
A Controversial Deployment from the Start
President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops to the Californian metropolis in early June in response to a series of protests related to immigration operations. These forces were supported by 700 Marines. Their mission: to protect federal infrastructure and personnel against acts deemed "lawless" by the administration.
However, this decision was immediately contested by local authorities. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass both opposed the deployment, deeming it political, unnecessary, and provocative. Peaceful protests then broke out in several neighborhoods, reinforcing calls for a troop withdrawal.
Justification for the Withdrawal
The Pentagon justified its decision by citing "mission success" and a significant decrease in reported unrest in the city. However, according to Mayor Karen Bass, this withdrawal is more the result of citizen mobilization and growing public pressure. "The people of Los Angeles have shown that peace and dignity can prevail over fear," she said.
Consequences for Civilian Missions
The withdrawal of the 2,000 troops comes as voices have been raised against the impact of this military deployment on other civilian priorities, including firefighting in the state. Many analysts believe that the National Guard, whose resources are already limited, should not be used for law enforcement missions on American soil.
A Question of Legality
The initial deployment also raised legal debates. Despite legal challenges, an appeals court authorized President Trump to maintain federal control over the National Guard, bypassing Governor Newsom's opposition. This decision revived debates about the balance of power between the federal and state governments.
What future for the remaining troops?
Approximately 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines remain stationed in Los Angeles. Their mission is expected to be reassessed in the coming weeks. If tensions continue to ease, further troop reductions could be considered.
However, the situation remains tense and highly political as the presidential elections approach, amid growing distrust of the use of military force on home soil.
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