Pentagon says 250 National Guard troops to stay in LA after latest drawdown

Source: The Hill

07/31/25 7:13 PM ET


Around 250 National Guard troops will stay in Los Angeles to help protect federal personnel and buildings after the latest drawdown ordered by the Department of Defense (DOD).

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the release of about 1,350 California National Guard members from the federal protection mission on Wednesday. Those troops were initially deployed to help contain protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.

Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement Thursday that those troops remaining in Los Angeles will protect “federal personnel and property.” “We greatly appreciate the support of the more than 5,000 Guardsmen and Marines who mobilized to Los Angeles to defend Federal functions against the rampant lawlessness occurring in the city,” Parnell said.

Apart from some 4,000 National Guard troops, another 700 Marines were also directed to help curb the protests in light of President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5431138-250-national-guard-troops-to-stay-in-la-pentagon-says-after-latest-drawdown/