• The Pentagon is withdrawing 2,000 National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles.
• This decision follows a period of protests against immigration enforcement actions in the city.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment as politically motivated.
• Remaining troops are viewed as unnecessary amid claims of subsiding lawlessness.
• Local officials express concerns over the lack of clarity regarding the remaining troop presence.

The Trump administration has confirmed it is withdrawing 2,000 California National Guard troops from Los Angeles, reducing the military presence that had been deployed amid protests against immigration enforcement actions. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated, "Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding," indicating a shift in the situation that no longer necessitates such a large military presence, according to HuffPost and ABC News.

This adjustment comes after a significant deployment of around 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines was initiated by President Trump to address escalating unrest related to federal immigration operations. The deployment faced strong opposition from local officials, particularly Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized it as a political maneuver designed to serve the federal government’s agenda rather than provide necessary security, as reported by Los Angeles Times and Newsweek.

Newsom pointed out that the troops were needed for wildfire fighting as California entered peak wildlife season but were instead assigned to what he described as a "political theater." He reiterated calls for the complete withdrawal of remaining troops, asserting that they were "unable to carry out their critical duties across the state," according to Le Monde and The Hill.

Furthermore, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass hailed the troop withdrawal as a victory for the citizens of Los Angeles, stating, "This happened because the people of Los Angeles stood united and stood strong," acknowledging the impact of ongoing protests and legal challenges against the administration, as reported by NPR and Al Jazeera.

Despite this withdrawal, questions remain regarding the remaining troops' roles and the administration’s overall strategy regarding military force and immigration enforcement. Reportedly, most National Guard personnel were underutilized and left to perform minimal duties, leading to frustration from local leaders, as expressed in statements from South China Morning Post and the Los Angeles Times.