National Guard Deployment and Protests in Los Angeles
The governor of California stated that President Trump is deploying an additional 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, adding to the existing 2,000 already present, with at least 300 currently on the ground. This announcement comes amidst ongoing protests in the city, with crowd sizes estimated to be in the hundreds.
Concerns Regarding the Nature of the Troops
Former Congressman and retired Lieutenant Colonel Adam Kinzinger expressed concern regarding the deployment. He clarified that the troops present are not actually California National Guard, but U.S. Army troops activated under Title X by the President. Kinzinger emphasized the distinction: these are now federal troops, equivalent to the 82nd Airborne, and lack law enforcement capabilities unless the Insurrection Act is invoked or Governor Newsom consents to their activation. He suggested Newsom activate the full National Guard to challenge Trump's authority.
Law Enforcement Resources and De-escalation Efforts
John Miller, a chief law enforcement analyst, addressed the challenges faced by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He highlighted the limited resources of the LAPD, with only 8,000 officers for a large city, and the strain caused by deploying mobile field forces to manage protests. As a result, the LAPD is focusing on outreach to protest groups to de-escalate potential conflicts, specifically the team led by Fred Booker, who has experience managing said outreach and de-escalation.
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The LAPD are reaching out to protest groups in order to try and de-escalate violence before it begins.
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However, resources are limited.
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When resources are stretched it makes it harder for the LAPD to manage protests and other calls coming into the department.
Flag Controversy and Protest Messaging
The presence of numerous Mexican flags at the protests was discussed, raising questions about the message being conveyed. Kinzinger argued that while people have the right to carry any flag, the focus of the protests should be on being or staying American. He expressed concern that the visuals are feeding into President Trump's narrative.
Police Action and Dispersal Orders
Reports indicated that police were issuing orders to disperse the crowd, having already given a five-minute warning. Some protesters were seen putting on masks, possibly anticipating the use of tear gas or other crowd control measures.
Trump-Newsom Conflict
The long-standing feud between President Trump and Governor Newsom was highlighted as a central element of the situation. Newsom has accused Trump of an "illegal and unconstitutional act" in federalizing the National Guard, claiming it is an act towards authoritarianism. The two leaders have clashed over issues ranging from immigration to wildfires, with Trump often criticizing California's policies.
Marines Arriving
Reporters noted the arrival of U.S. Marines in buses near the federal building, signaling further federal involvement in the situation.
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