Soldiers and Marines provide protection to federal facilities in the Los Angeles area on June 14, 2025, during protests against an immigration crackdown throughout the city. (Chase Murray/U.S. Army)
WASHINGTON — Another 2,000 members of the California National Guard were deployed to Los Angeles on Tuesday night to maintain order following riots and protests over immigration enforcement actions across the city, according to U.S. Northern Command.
There are now roughly 4,100 Guard troops deployed in L.A., working alongside 700 active-duty Marines sent to the city last week, NORTHCOM said.
Los Angeles, particularly the downtown area, has been the site of protests and unrest as President Donald Trump’s administration has stepped up immigration enforcement and arrests in California and across the nation.
About 4.2 million immigrants live in the Los Angeles metro area, according to the American Immigration Council.
But the military forces will not directly participate in civilian law enforcement activities.
“Their focus is the safety and continuity of federal functions,” according to NORTHCOM.
The soldiers have been training on crowd control, de-escalation techniques and understanding the rules for the use of force. The mission is to “protect federal personnel conducting federal functions and federal property in the greater Los Angeles area,” according to NORTHCOM.
While troops can accompany Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on assignments, they are not part of ICE operations.
The Northern Command sent 2,100 Guard troops to Los Angeles on June 11 but placed a total of 4,100 under federal command. The remaining 2,000 activated forces are now ordered to join National Guard soldiers and Marines already there.
Northern Command did not provide an explanation for why the troop strength was increasing in Los Angeles.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have said the military is not necessary, and that police authorities can manage the protests and unrest.
