Press Release: Concerns Mount Over Military’s Role in Civilian Protests as National Guard Deployed to Los Angeles
The Trump administration’s recent decision to deploy up to 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amidst ongoing protests against deportation policies has raised significant alarm among military veterans and legal experts. This unprecedented move, made against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom, threatens to politicize the military—a concern echoed by former military leaders.
Maj Gen Paul Eaton expressed grave reservations about the implications of such a deployment, characterizing it as a breach of the military’s historical commitment to remain apolitical. He cautioned that this could lead to the invocation of the Insurrection Act, expanding federal authority in an inappropriate manner. “We are headed toward a legal basis for inappropriate military action,” he warned.
The troops, under federal control, are authorized to protect federal personnel and properties but are not meant to engage in law enforcement. However, critics fear that their presence blurs lines, particularly as they may accompany Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during operations. Retired military officials, speaking anonymously, highlight the troubling optics of armed troops enforcing federal mandates in civilian spaces.
Furthermore, President Trump hinted at broader military involvement across the country, stating, "We’re gonna have troops everywhere." His sweeping memo for the National Guard also sets a troubling precedent by allowing the military to be preemptively deployed in anticipation of protests, a first in U.S. history.
Experts warn that this militarization of domestic politics could undermine public trust in the armed forces. As discussions evolve, veterans like Janessa Goldbeck continue to advocate for a clear demarcation between military roles and civilian governance, reinforcing that the military’s allegiance lies with the Constitution, not individual leaders.
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