President Donald Trump said he sent 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to “restore order and enforce the law” after protests turned violent. The protests were triggered by a series of immigration raids that led to the arrest of at least 118 migrants in one week.
Why Did Trump Use the National Guard?
Trump used a rarely-invoked federal law that allows the president to take control of the National Guard in special situations. These situations include:
- If the U.S. is invaded or threatened by another country
- If there is a rebellion against the government
- If regular forces cannot enforce U.S. laws
Trump claimed the protests were a form of “rebellion” against the U.S. government.
What Is the Role of the National Guard?
The National Guard serves both state and federal governments. Normally, state governors control their own National Guard units. But Trump bypassed this by using the federal law. In Los Angeles, the troops are there to protect federal officers, like immigration and customs workers and not to raid homes or arrest people.
Can the Army Arrest Civilians?
No. By law, federal troops cannot enforce civil law unless under extreme circumstances, like under the “Insurrection Act.” Trump had previously threatened to use this law in 2020 during the Black Lives Matter protests, but now he is actually doing it.
Experts say this is the first time a president sent the National Guard without a state governor’s request since 1965. In 1992, the National Guard was also sent to Los Angeles during riots after the Rodney King verdict but only after California’s governor asked for help.
Mixed Reactions
Some supported Trump’s decision.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called it a “smart move” and said violence against federal officers shouldn’t be tolerated. He added that nearby Marines were on standby if needed.
But many officials in California believe the city police can handle the situation, and the military isn’t needed.
