Federal Troops in LA Rise 44% to 4,800 Amid Protests

The Pentagon announced late Tuesday night that the Trump administration is ordering an additional 2,000 soldiers from the California Army National Guard to be deployed to the Los Angeles area. These troops will be under the direct command of the federal government. This deployment comes as protests against federal immigration enforcement raids across Los Angeles have largely subsided.

The Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson stated on Wednesday that there have been no arrests related to protest activities since Saturday evening. Mayor Karen Bass lifted the citywide curfew on Tuesday.

The latest deployment brings the total number of federal troops currently stationed in the Los Angeles area to 4,800, including 700 U.S. Marine Corps personnel and 4,100 members of the California Army National Guard.

The U.S. Northern Command stated that these troops will "assist in securing the functions, personnel, and property of federal institutions in the greater Los Angeles area."

On Wednesday, the U.S. Secretary of Defense defended the deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles during a Senate hearing in Washington. During the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, the Secretary stated that the Marine Corps personnel and National Guard soldiers deployed to Los Angeles have consistently performed their duties to the highest professional standards, protecting federal institutions.