The Department of Defense announced the release of 150 California National Guard troops from their federal duties in Los Angeles on Tuesday. These troops will return to their wildfire-protection assignments, less than a month after being deployed amid anti-ICE protests and raids. The decision comes as California enters its peak wildfire season, with several fires already threatening the region.
The deployment of the National Guard, along with 800 active-duty Marines, was initially ordered by President Donald Trump in early June to respond to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles. The move faced opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who argued that the deployment left the state understaffed for wildfire response. According to NBC San Diego, the California National Guard fire crews were reportedly operating at just 40 percent capacity.
The release of the troops was recommended by General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander of U.S. Northern Command, and approved by the Secretary of Defense. The decision is part of ongoing legal and political tensions between federal immigration enforcement and state emergency management priorities. Governor Newsom, in response to the announcement, stated, “Donald Trump caved. Now send the rest home,” emphasizing his desire for all federally controlled Guard members to return to their primary duties.
The protests in Los Angeles, which began on June 6, were sparked by ICE raids and escalated in the following weeks. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass implemented a curfew in downtown areas, which was later lifted. The situation highlighted national tensions over immigration policies and state rights, as Newsweek reported.
Governor Newsom continues to push for the return of all National Guard members to their original roles, as California faces ongoing wildfire threats. The timing and scale of any further redeployments remain uncertain.
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