Credited from: NEWSWEEK
Major General Scott Sherman, overseeing the deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles, confirmed that troops have temporarily detained civilians amid ongoing protests against immigration raids. These detentions occurred prior to handing detainees over to local law enforcement, as the troops do not hold arrest authority, according to HuffPost and Newsweek.
Reports indicate that the frequency of these detentions has declined as tensions in Los Angeles began to subside. Sherman, however, cautioned that officials are "expecting a ramp-up" in protests nationwide, suggesting a potential for renewed unrest, a sentiment echoed in reports by Al Jazeera and Newsweek.
The National Guard members have been specifically trained to provide support during immigration operations, and around 500 troops are equipped to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As protests erupted in response to President Trump's immigration enforcement actions, including military deployment, the presence of Guard members has drawn criticism from local officials regarding its necessity and impact, as reported by HuffPost and Al Jazeera.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has openly criticized the deployment as an unnecessary escalation, while Governor Gavin Newsom has taken steps to legally challenge the continued military presence in the city, arguing that local law enforcement could adequately manage the situation prior to federal intervention. This tension between state and federal authority showcases broader conflicts over immigration policy and governance, according to Al Jazeera.
As the protests against immigration raids expand beyond Los Angeles, federal authorities underscore their commitment to enforcing immigration laws, which advocates argue disproportionately target vulnerable communities. The dynamics between the deployed military and civilians in urban areas remain contentious, reflecting ongoing debates about immigration policy in the United States, as detailed by Newsweek and Al Jazeera.