Examining the Legal Complexities of Deploying Troops to Quell Protests in Los Angeles

In a rare move involving the use of military forces on U.S. soil, President Trump directed the Pentagon on Saturday evening to deploy at least 2,000 National Guard members to manage protests in Los Angeles sparked by immigration enforcement actions.

Throughout his political career, President Trump has contemplated employing military forces domestically to suppress violent demonstrations, combat crime, and apprehend undocumented immigrants—a plan that advisers dissuaded him from pursuing during his initial term. Between his two presidencies, he asserted that he would deploy troops even without state governors’ approval if he returned to office.

This directive represents a notable advance toward that approach, though it stops short of invoking the broadest presidential powers available. How the deployment will unfold on the ground—and whether it will face legal challenges—remains uncertain.

Below is an analysis of the legal and policy implications surrounding this decision.

Details of the Presidential Order

The President ordered the National Guard to be placed under federal command. He authorized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to deploy troops to safeguard immigration enforcement personnel, facilities, and operations from disruption by protesters. The White House cited recent demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles as the rationale.

The order mandates the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops for a minimum duration of 60 days. Furthermore, it empowers Defense Secretary Hegseth to call upon active-duty federal military forces as needed to support the federalized National Guard units.

Typically, the National Guard consists of state-based military units made up of part-time service members with civilian careers. Normally, a state's governor controls their National Guard and can deploy them to respond to emergencies or civil disturbances. However, under specific federal laws, the President can assume command of a state's National Guard.