0:35Members of the California National Guard are seen on the steps of the Federal Building following several days of protests triggered by federal immigration operations in Los Angeles, June 10, 2025. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images, FILE
The Pentagon has declared that an additional 1,350 federalized California National Guard members will be pulled from the security mission in Los Angeles that commenced in early June after demonstrations against immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A residual force of 250 National Guardsmen will stay on site to maintain protection for federal facilities and personnel in Los Angeles.
Nearly 5,000 National Guard members and Marines were sent to Los Angeles on June 7 for a mission that may last up to 60 days, with that limit expiring next week.
"On Wednesday, Secretary Hegseth directed the release of around 1,350 California National Guardsmen from the federal protection mission," stated Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s primary spokesperson, in a communication shared with ABC News.
"Approximately 250 California National Guardsmen remain in Los Angeles to safeguard federal personnel and assets," Parnell remarked. "We sincerely appreciate the contribution of the over 5,000 Guardsmen and Marines who mobilized to Los Angeles to protect federal operations against the significant lawlessness occurring in the city."
Members of the California National Guard are seen on the steps of the Federal Building following several days of protests triggered by federal immigration operations in Los Angeles, June 10, 2025. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images, FILE
Democratic Mayor Karen Bass shared on X that the withdrawal marked "another victory for Los Angeles" as "1,000 more troops are pulling back" and added, "We will persist in this pressure until ALL troops are out of L.A."
This prompted a reply from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who reacted on his personal X account, "You're welcome Mayor. These courageous troops are redeploying because their mission was highly effective."
He continued, "You ought to be expressing gratitude to them for safeguarding your city from disorder and turmoil. We will remain supportive of law enforcement — even when you do not."
In recent weeks, the Pentagon had reported the withdrawal of 2,000 Guard members and 700 Marines, alongside the reassignment of 150 Guard members to firefighting duties.
The initial mobilization followed protests in response to ICE raids in Los Angeles and was notable as it was ordered by the Trump administration rather than by Governor Gavin Newsom. City officials described the deployment of National Guard and Marines as unwarranted, asserting that the Los Angeles Police Department was fully equipped to handle the initial protests.
Due to their status as federalized National Guard and Marines, they were prohibited from performing law enforcement functions, as mandated by law. However, during their assignment to safeguard federal buildings and personnel, the mobilized military forces were authorized to temporarily detain individuals before promptly transferring them to law enforcement officials.
As the operation progressed, some members of the forces received training to accompany ICE agents on immigration raids, though their role was strictly confined to providing force protection.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
