California Governor Newsom: Requested federal troops in LA be returned to state command

California Governor Newsom: Requested federal troops in LA be returned to state command

California Governor Gavin Newsom has requested that the federal troops deployed to Los Angeles to quell anti-immigration protests be returned to state command. This request comes amidst ongoing tensions between the federal and state authorities over the handling of the situation.

On June 8, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to address violent clashes between police and immigration protesters. Governor Newsom, however, has accused the Trump administration of inflaming the situation and has stated that the deployment was "purposefully inflammatory" [1]. Newsom has also expressed concerns that the deployment of federal troops could escalate tensions further.

In response to the federal deployment, Governor Newsom has requested that the National Guard troops be returned to state command. He has argued that the local authorities are capable of handling the situation and that the federal intervention is unnecessary. Newsom has also criticized the Trump administration for using the National Guard as a political tool to further its agenda [2].

The request by Governor Newsom has been met with mixed reactions from lawmakers. House Speaker Mike Johnson has defended Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard, stating that it was necessary to maintain the rule of law [1]. However, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán has criticized the deployment, arguing that it will only escalate tensions and is not necessary [1].

The situation in Los Angeles remains volatile, with ongoing protests and clashes between police and demonstrators. The deployment of federal troops has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and the possibility of a crackdown on peaceful protests.

References:
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/noem-guard-needed-la-newsom-job/story?id=122635070
[2] https://www.newsweek.com/la-protests-trump-newsom-clash-national-guard-deployed-2082410