Trump’s Military Deployment in Los Angeles

At this writing, the Trump administration has federalized and deployed up to 4,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles, where immigration raids have been met with protests. It has also deployed up to 700 Marines.

The deployments came without request from state or local authorities, under a rarely used law — intended for response to invasion or rebellion, not protest. Yet, while federal troops may be used to protect federal property, they are legally bound not to participate in civilian law enforcement.

It’s easy to get caught up in secondary facets of the situation — whether the ICE raids are racist, which flags are waved, the extent of violence and looting alongside peaceful protest, etc. — but the primary issue remains whether nearly 5,000 troops foolishly have been assembled just to walk a legal tightrope, or whether the administration will direct the U.S. military against the nation’s own citizens and residents.

The “Chop Wood, Carry Water” Substack has more details and a script for calling our members of Congress.