California Governor Gavin Newsom has formally requested the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Los Angeles, following demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) directives concerning mass deportations. Over the weekend, widespread protests erupted in the wake of new ICE guidelines, prompting the deployment of federal forces to maintain order. Governor Newsom, however, contends that local law enforcement is better positioned to manage the protests and maintain public safety.
In a memorandum, Newsom criticized the federal deployment as a violation of California’s state sovereignty. He accused the Trump administration of escalating tensions between protesters and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and argued that federal troops were not needed. Newsom has called for the immediate rescission of the deployment order, highlighting a lack of coordination required under U.S. law, specifically §12406(3) of Title 10 of the United States Code.
The protests, which began last Friday outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, were partly fueled by ICE’s operations perceived as heavy-handed. According to reports, confrontations between the National Guard, LAPD, and protesters have resulted in the use of rubber bullets and tear gas. Despite some violent incidents, including a journalist being hit by rubber bullets, various media outlets and local residents report that the majority of protests have remained peaceful.
The LAPD, following its longstanding policy of non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, has issued a statement reinforcing their policy and affirming their commitment to public safety. The department declared a “Tactical Alert” and issued dispersal orders to maintain order during the ongoing demonstrations.
As tensions continue between federal and state authorities, the situation underscores the larger conversation about state control over law enforcement and the implications of federal intervention. More information about the unfolding events can be found on the JURIST website.