Demonstrators gathered forming a human chain against a backdrop of the California National Guard on the ninth of June, 2025. This act occurred outside a Federal Building located in the heart of Los Angeles. The presence of the National Guard was part of a broader response to the confrontations around the locality. This scenario provided the setting for a noteworthy event that transpired within the Department of Defense the following day.
The Department of Defense made an official announcement on Tuesday detailing changes in the current deployment structure of the National Guard within California. Around 150 National Guard troops, originally deployed to manage protest situations in the state, were proposed to be relieved from their duties. The directive which brought them home aimed to incorporate them back into their roles as wildland firefighters.
The command for the National Guard deployment and the U.S. Marines’ relocation to California fell under the jurisdiction of NORTHCOM commander Gen. Gregory Guillot. His recent recommendation suggested a reassignment of 200 troops from their primary obligation of safeguarding immigration. This initiative steered their focus from immigration back towards firefighting duties to better serve the state of California.
On the same day, NORTHCOM released a statement confirming Gen. Guillot’s directive. The dispatch clarified that ‘approximately 150’ National Guard members would be excused from their protective obligations on the federal level. Their previous duties encompassed security details for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents along with safeguarding federal establishments.
Historically, over 4,000 National Guard service members have been stationed at federal buildings. Their role has been indispensable in maintaining safety during Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Notably, the significant presence of the National Guard was conspicuous during immigration raids.
California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, has repeatedly expressed his disapproval regarding the federal utilization of National Guard forces. His main concern revolves around the consequent deficiency of fire-crews within the state. His critique centers on the inopportune timing of the President’s orders, withdrawing eight of the state’s 14 National Guard firefighting crews during a period of acute wildfire threats.
In Governor Newsom’s view, the orders from President Donald Trump have had a detrimental effect on the state’s readiness to combat wildfires. The contentious decision to redirect National Guard forces towards immigration protection rather than wildfire fighting comes at a time when the danger of wildfires in the state is nearing its apex.
To express his relief on the reversal of deployment decisions, Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, issued an official statement. In the statement issued on Monday, the governor welcomed the necessary amendments to the National Guard’s assignment.
Governor Newsom expressed his satisfaction towards the acknowledgment of higher military authority concerning the changing scenario. He considered it a positive development that the highest-ranking military personnel who were responsible for the controversial military action in Los Angeles also agreed to the necessity of this shift.
Newsom’s statement pointed out the initial deployment as an instance of illegal militarization by President Trump. He emphasized the importance of returning the National Guard troops to their crucial fire-fighting duties.
The Governor used this opportunity to directly address President Trump. He urged the President to heed the advice of the military leaders and put an end to what he labeled as ‘political theater’.
Governor Newsom’s message to President Trump was clear. He believed it was time for the National Guard troops to discontinue their current assignments and revert to their indispensable firefighting tasks.
Governor Newsom’s demand for a pullback of forces was in effect a plea for the normal operations of the National Guard to be restored. His sentiments echo the widespread desire for the troops to dedicate their efforts predominantly towards firefighting – the duty they are crucially needed for at this pressing time.
The news of the reassignment was welcomed by many since it signified the return of significant resources to the firefighting crews. As wildfires continue to pose a severe threat to California, the reinstated members of the National Guard will once again prove invaluable in mitigating this perennial menace.
The overall transitions symbolize a shift in strategic priorities. They underscore the crucial need to bolster the state’s wildfire combating efforts over immigration protection. The reassignment aims to restore balance, prioritizing essential societal roles over political objectives.