U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked growing controversy in American society by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles, California, without a request from the state governor. Trump regarded the protests against illegal immigration enforcement as a threat comparable to 'insurrection' and invoked national defense authority, but local government did not request the troops, and some protests proceeded peacefully, raising criticisms of excessive response.
This measure marks the first instance in nearly 60 years that a president has deployed National Guard troops without a state governor's approval in the U.S. The administration cited the protection of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the defense of federal buildings as justification as the protests intensified, but experts point out that Trump is arbitrarily expanding legal interpretations. In particular, he has mentioned the possibility of deploying active-duty Marines if necessary, keeping open the potential for the invocation of the Insurrection Act. CNN reported that on the 9th, Trump previously stated that troops could not be mobilized without a governor's request but has now reversed his position and deployed the National Guard independently.
Many analysts suggest that this decision by the Trump administration reflects a political intent beyond mere law enforcement response. Trump has emphasized his commitment to a tough stance against illegal immigration since his campaign for the presidency and has had several conflicts with the California State Government since the beginning of his administration. CNN analyzed that this measure is interpreted as a way to realize his campaign promise while making the confrontation with Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom even more pronounced.
In fact, the White House criticized California's leadership for 'failing in its duty to protect citizens' when announcing this measure, and Governor Newsom responded that it was 'deliberate provocation and an action that escalates tensions.' Local police also stated that most protests proceeded peacefully, demonstrating a significant difference in situational awareness between the federal government and local government.
The Financial Times in the UK also analyzed that this measure represents a deliberate show of force to expand Trump's authority. FT evaluated that 'this action is a warning signal from President Trump to state governments resisting the deportation of illegal immigrants and an attempt to strengthen presidential administrative power at the expense of Congress and U.S. states.' Furthermore, FT added that this situation suggests similar military interventions might occur if other Democratic state governments oppose federal policies in the future.
Amidst this, concerns are raised within the legal and academic communities that Trump is broadly interpreting the concept of 'insurrection' for political purposes, blurring legal boundaries. CNN reported that 'President Trump and his aides are using the term insurrection as a political tool.' They analyze that these individuals define the influx of illegal immigrants, President Biden's actions, and court decisions as insurrection, diluting the meaning of the term itself.
Some believe that Trump's actions are related to the recent surge in arrests through ICE operations. On June 4th alone, ICE recorded 2,368 arrests, breaking the record for the highest daily count. These hardline measures are evaluated as a strategy by the Trump administration to highlight the effectiveness of its immigration policies to the public.
Another controversy coincides with reports that the Trump administration intends to significantly cut federal funding for California. The White House is said to be reviewing reductions in major subsidies, including those for the college system, which is interpreted as a form of political pressure. With the deployment of National Guard troops, intensified immigration enforcement, and cuts in federal budgets being pursued simultaneously, this situation is assessed as a widening front of political conflict beyond simple protest responses.