California Governor Sounds Alarm on Military Deployment in Los Angeles
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a stark warning about President Donald Trump’s recent decision to deploy nearly 5,000 troops—including National Guard soldiers and Marines—to Los Angeles. Newsom calls the move a dangerous precedent toward militarized immigration enforcement across the United States.
Military Backing of Immigration Enforcement: A New Tactic?
Originally, the troops were sent to secure federal buildings in LA. However, their role swiftly expanded to supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in carrying out arrests. Photographs released by ICE show National Guard members standing guard while individuals are detained.
Newsom described the operation as “dictatorial,” cautioning that this marks the beginning of a broader, military-backed crackdown. “What’s happening in California will likely spread to other states,” he stated.
Broader Impact on Communities
The governor expressed deep concern over the scope of the crackdown, pointing out that it has gone beyond targeting criminals. “Dishwashers, gardeners, day laborers, and seamstresses are being detained,” Newsom emphasized, highlighting the human toll.
He also criticized the deployment of the California National Guard troops without the state’s consent, calling the move legally questionable and constitutionally troubling.
Legal Challenges and Constitutional Questions
Governor Newsom has launched a legal challenge against the federal troop deployment, arguing it violates state authority and federal law. While ICE officers carry out arrests, the National Guard's role is supposed to be limited to perimeter security and, in rare cases, temporarily detaining individuals who attack officers.
Legal experts warn that the President’s emergency declarations underpinning this operation lack a firm legal foundation, making the deployment unprecedented and potentially unconstitutional.
Public Reaction: Protests and Rising Tensions
The immigration raids have sparked protests across Los Angeles. While daytime demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, some nighttime unrest has surfaced. The protests have since spread to major cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Austin, and Washington, intensifying national scrutiny.
Local authorities, including the LA police chief, argue that the military presence complicates law enforcement efforts and escalates tensions. Still, President Trump insists the troops are essential to prevent chaos, warning that Los Angeles could “burn to the ground” without federal intervention.
Financial and Political Ramifications
The Pentagon estimates the 60-day deployment will cost approximately $134 million. This figure has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents labeling the operation an unnecessary and costly escalation.
Governor Newsom cautioned that while California is currently the focal point, the federal government’s military-backed immigration crackdown could soon extend nationwide.
