700 more Marines in Los Angeles recalled by Department of Defense
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LEAVING LOS ANGELES
The Department of Defense said it would withdraw 700 Marines from Los Angeles, another sign the Trump administration is winding down its military incursion into the South State after residents protested aggressive federal deportation raids around the area in June.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Marines based out of Twentynine Palms to stand down Monday, according to chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, after judging “stability was returning to Los Angeles.”
“Their rapid response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence were instrumental in restoring order and upholding the rule of law,” Parnell said in a statement. “We’re deeply grateful for their service, and for the strength and professionalism they brought to this mission.”
The Marines had been tasked with protecting federal buildings and officials. Hours beforehand, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had stood with veterans’ groups at a press conference, where she called for troops’ removal from the city.
“This is another win for Los Angeles but this is also a win for those serving this country in uniform,” she said in a statement. “We took the administration to court and won, now we continue that momentum with today’s news. Los Angeles stands with our troops, which is why we are glad they are leaving.”
In June, the Pentagon seized control of the California National Guard and ordered 700 federal Marines to Los Angeles, sparking ongoing litigation and condemnation from Gov. Gavin Newsom and protests from residents angry at immigration officials’ aggressive deportation raids in the South State, which have led to at least one death and hundreds of arrests.
Despite officials’ insistence that they were there to perform critical work of protecting federal officials and buildings, troops told the New York Times and Los Angeles Times that they mostly “sat around” fighting boredom and plummeting morale while Trump and Newsom offered dueling visions of on-the-ground conditions in the media and via social media.
Hegseth dismissed 2,000 California National Guards members last week, saying they had “fulfilled their mission.” Newsom has repeatedly said the deployments were for “political theater,” and accused Trump of using the military as “pawns.”
“There was never a need for the military to deploy against civilians in Los Angeles. The damage is done, however,” he said Monday after the Pentagon’s announcement. “We, again, call upon them to do the right thing and end the militarization once and for all.”
DECIMATED AFTER DEPLOYMENT
Via Amelia Wu…
An amicus brief from the Legislature calls on the Ninth Circuit to grant a rehearing over President Trump’s deployment of troops in Los Angeles last month.
In the state’s lawsuit, Attorney General Rob Bonta said the federal government overstepped legal authority and that accounts from California residents and testimony of immigrants show they are fearful of going to work or taking their children out to play. Participation at a weekly food distribution event dropped by 50%, with 350 fewer families and individuals receiving food assistance, according to the brief.
“In other words, community life has been decimated,” the brief said.
The brief specifically points to July 7, when about 90 members of the California National Guard deployed at MacArthur Park. About a week ago, immigration and border patrol agents made arrests at a Sacramento Home Depot.
Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas released a joint statement supporting the filing of the brief in the Newsom v. Trump case.
“Trump’s dangerous move also has diverted the National Guard away from crucial state duties like combating wildfires and preventing drug trafficking at the border,” the statement said. “It’s time to demobilize the Guard and stop this abuse of power by the Trump administration.
BAINS GAINS
Via Molly Gibbs…
After announcing her congressional campaign last week, Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, D-Bakersfield, has already collected a long list of endorsements from politicians and labor unions.
Rep. Ami Bera, D-Elk Grove, is among those jumping behind the lawmaker and physician who is running on a promise to unseat Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, and deliver a healthier and more affordable Central Valley.
“As a fellow physician and someone who’s fought to defend the Affordable Care Act,” Bera said in a press release from Bains’ campaign on Monday. “I know Jasmeet Bains will be a strong voice for accessible, high-quality healthcare in Congress.”
Health care is central to Bains’ campaign in-part because incumbent Valadao supported the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, which is expected to cut over $1 trillion from Medicaid in the next decade. His vote came after he said he would not support large-scale cuts to the program that about two-thirds of his district relies on. SEIU California cited Valadao’s vote in its endorsement of Bains’ campaign.
“SEIU California members don’t back politicians who slash healthcare,” the union said on X. “We back doctors who fight for it.”
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Point blank, this is a dangerous move. We know independent redistricting works because California has been the national leader for years. We can’t afford to put our state’s democracy on the line during a time of national instability.”
– Darius Kemp, executive director of California Common Cause on Newsom’s suggestion to redistrict the state mid-decade
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