The Pentagon confirmed Tuesday that 2,000 California National Guard troops have been withdrawn from Los Angeles following a federal security mission tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Nearly 4,700 National Guard and active-duty Marine personnel were deployed to the area last month at the direction of President Donald Trump. The mission focused on securing federal buildings during targeted immigration enforcement actions carried out by ICE agents.
“Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding,” said Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell. “As such, the Secretary has ordered the release of 2,000 California National Guardsmen from the federal protection mission.”
Troops had been stationed at federal buildings and ICE facilities across the city, supporting efforts to maintain security and deter interference during enforcement activity.
The Trump administration has prioritized increased enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions, including Los Angeles, where recent ICE operations focused on individuals with final deportation orders and criminal records.
The presence of federal troops in California prompted criticism from state officials. California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed concern that the deployment could limit the state’s capacity to respond to wildfires.
According to reporting from ABC News, U.S. Northern Command leader Gen. Gregory Guillot requested that 200 troops be returned to assist with wildfire preparation. That request contributed to the Pentagon’s decision to begin the drawdown.
Despite the partial withdrawal, roughly 2,700 Guard and Marine forces remain stationed in the Los Angeles area. Defense officials said the mission remains ongoing and will be reassessed as ICE operations conclude.
ICE has not released arrest totals from the recent enforcement activity. Officials previously stated that those targeted included noncitizens subject to removal who had exhausted legal appeals or had prior felony convictions.
The Department of Defense has not commented on whether future deployments of federal troops to support immigration enforcement will take place in other sanctuary cities.
