Lawmakers Predict Trump Will Deploy Troops to More States Over Immigration

Key Takeaways

• On June 18, 2025, 2,000 additional National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles amid immigration protests.
• President Trump used 10 U.S.C. § 12406 to federalize the California National Guard without governor consent.
• Legal challenges by California officials contest troop deployment; Ninth Circuit heard arguments June 17, 2025.

On June 18, 2025, the Pentagon announced the deployment of an additional 2,000 California National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area. This move, ordered by President Donald Trump, brings the total number of military personnel in Los Angeles to nearly 7,000. The deployment is part of a broader federal response to ongoing immigration protests and recent raids in the city. The decision has sparked legal battles, political tension, and deep concern among immigrant communities, raising important questions about the limits of presidential power, the role of the military in domestic affairs, and the future of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸.

Why Are Troops Being Sent to Los Angeles?

The deployment follows a series of large protests in downtown Los Angeles. These protests began after recent immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many people in Los Angeles, especially those in immigrant communities, have expressed fear and anger about these raids. Some protests have turned tense, with reports of clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.

President Donald Trump responded by issuing a memorandum on June 7, 2025, authorizing the use of federalized National Guard troops under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. The stated goal is to “temporarily protect” ICE, other federal personnel, and federal property in areas where protests or violence are likely. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this move is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to increase federal control over immigration enforcement, especially in states and cities that have resisted federal policies.

How the Deployment Works: Step-by-Step

The process for sending troops to Los Angeles follows a specific set of steps:

1. Presidential Memorandum Issued: President Trump issues a memorandum directing the Secretary of Defense to federalize National Guard units under 10 U.S.C. § 12406. This law allows the president to call up the National Guard to deal with certain emergencies, but it is rarely used without the consent of the state governor.
2. Coordination with Defense and Homeland Security: The Secretary of Defense works with the National Guard Bureau and, if directed, with state governors. In this case, the deployment reportedly happened without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
3. Troop Activation and Training: National Guard personnel receive training in de-escalation, crowd control, and rules for using force before being sent to Los Angeles.
4. Deployment to Target Areas: Troops are stationed at locations where ICE, federal personnel, and federal property are thought to be at risk because of protests or possible violence.
5. Legal Challenges and Judicial Review: California officials have filed lawsuits challenging the deployment, leading to federal court review.

Who Are the Key Players?

Several important people and groups are involved in this situation:

• President Donald Trump: Ordered the deployment, saying it is needed to protect federal workers and property from what he calls violent protests and threats to federal authority. He has also threatened to use the Insurrection Act if he believes the situation becomes an “insurrection.”
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: Directed the expanded deployment and said more federal intervention may happen if needed. He has focused on using the National Guard and Reserves for homeland security.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom: Strongly opposes the deployment, calling it a “power grab.” He is challenging the federalization of the state’s National Guard in court.
• Attorney General Rob Bonta: Filed a lawsuit arguing that the deployment is illegal under federal law.
• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: Disputes the need for federal troops, saying local law enforcement can handle the protests.
• U.S. Senator Alex Padilla: Was forcibly removed from a press event by federal agents while questioning Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, raising concerns about the administration’s approach to dissent and civil liberties.

Legal Battles and Court Decisions

The legality of President Trump’s actions is being hotly debated. California officials, led by Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta, have filed lawsuits challenging the federalization of the National Guard without state consent. A U.S. District Judge briefly blocked the deployment, but an appeals court quickly allowed it to continue. On June 17, 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments about whether Trump’s use of 10 U.S.C. § 12406 is legal.

Legal experts say this is a new and untested use of the law. Usually, the president needs the governor’s consent to federalize the National Guard, unless there is a clear emergency or insurrection. The Trump administration argues that the protests and threats to federal property justify the move. The courts will have to decide if this is true and whether the president has the power to act without state approval.

For readers interested in the legal details, the official text of 10 U.S.C. § 12406 is available online.

What Does This Mean for Los Angeles and Immigrant Communities?

The heavy military presence in Los Angeles has caused fear and anxiety, especially among immigrants and their families. Many people worry about the possibility of increased arrests, use of force, and the chilling effect on lawful protest. Community leaders say the deployment sends a message that the federal government is willing to use military power to enforce immigration laws, even over the objections of local officials.

Some of the main concerns include:

• Civil Liberties: Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warn that using the military for domestic law enforcement threatens basic rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly.
• Community Trust: The presence of troops may make immigrants less likely to report crimes, seek help, or participate in community events.
• Escalation of Tensions: The deployment could make protests more intense, leading to more clashes between demonstrators and authorities.

Federal-State Tensions: Who Has the Final Say?

The deployment has made the conflict between the federal government and California officials even sharper. Governor Newsom and other state leaders argue that President Trump is overstepping his authority by sending troops without their consent. They say this undermines the idea of states’ rights and local control.

On the other hand, the Trump administration says it has the right to protect federal property and workers, especially if local officials are unwilling or unable to do so. This disagreement could set important legal precedents for how much power the president has to use the military inside the United States 🇺🇸.

Could Troops Be Sent to Other States?

Lawmakers and experts believe that President Trump may send troops to more states if similar protests or unrest happen elsewhere. This is especially likely in places with large immigrant populations or where local officials resist federal immigration enforcement. Defense Secretary Hegseth has said that further deployments are possible if the situation demands it.

This possibility has raised alarms among civil rights groups and some members of Congress, who worry about the normalization of military involvement in civilian law enforcement.

Historical Context: How Unusual Is This?

The president does have the power to deploy troops inside the United States 🇺🇸 under certain laws, such as the Insurrection Act or Title 10. However, these powers are rarely used, and usually only with the consent of the state governor or in clear emergencies.

Past examples include:

• The Insurrection Act: Used during major civil unrest or natural disasters, but only after local authorities request help or are unable to restore order.
• Lafayette Square, 2020: President Trump’s deployment of federal forces to clear protesters in Washington, D.C., was highly controversial and led to widespread debate about the limits of presidential power.

The current use of 10 U.S.C. § 12406 without state consent is a new legal frontier. Legal scholars say the courts may need to clarify the limits of executive authority in these situations.

Policy Implications: What Happens Next?

The outcome of the ongoing court cases will be critical. If the courts uphold President Trump’s actions, it could give future presidents more power to use the military for domestic law enforcement, even over the objections of state and local officials. If the courts rule against him, it could limit the federal government’s ability to intervene in state affairs.

Other possible effects include:

• Congressional Action: Lawmakers may try to pass new laws to clarify or limit the president’s power to deploy troops inside the country.
• Oversight and Accountability: Advocacy groups and some members of Congress are pushing for more oversight of domestic military deployments.
• Community Response: Immigrant communities and their supporters may organize more protests, legal challenges, and public campaigns to resist what they see as federal overreach.

Multiple Perspectives: What Are People Saying?

• Trump Administration: Officials argue that the deployments are necessary to protect federal workers and property from violent, organized resistance to immigration enforcement.
• State and Local Officials: Leaders like Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass say federal intervention is unnecessary and only makes things worse.
• Legal Experts: Many say the use of 10 U.S.C. § 12406 is unprecedented and likely to face tough scrutiny in the courts.
• Civil Liberties Advocates: Groups like the ACLU warn that expanded domestic military use threatens basic freedoms and sets a dangerous precedent.

What Should Immigrants and Community Members Do?

If you live in Los Angeles or another area affected by these deployments, here are some practical steps:

• Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted sources, such as local news, community organizations, and official government websites like whitehouse.gov.
• Know Your Rights: Learn about your rights during protests and encounters with law enforcement. The ACLU provides helpful resources on this topic.
• Seek Legal Help: If you or your family are affected by immigration raids or military deployments, contact a qualified immigration attorney or local legal aid group.
• Document Incidents: If you witness or experience any problems related to the deployment, document what happened and report it to trusted organizations.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Immigration Policy and Military Deployments?

The situation in Los Angeles is still developing. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to make a decision soon about the legality of President Trump’s actions. This ruling could have a big impact on future deployments and the balance of power between the federal government and the states.

Lawmakers and experts widely predict that President Trump may expand troop deployments to additional states in response to immigration-related protests or resistance to federal enforcement. The current situation in Los Angeles represents a significant escalation in the use of federalized military forces for domestic law enforcement, raising profound legal, political, and civil liberties questions. The outcome of ongoing court challenges and the administration’s next moves will be critical in shaping the future of federal-state relations and the role of the military in domestic affairs.

For more information about the deployment process and the legal background, you can visit the U.S. Department of Defense website for official updates.

Final Thoughts and Practical Guidance

The deployment of nearly 7,000 troops to Los Angeles under President Donald Trump’s orders is a major event in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the use of military power inside the United States 🇺🇸. The legal battles, political arguments, and community impacts will likely continue for weeks or months to come.

If you are affected by these changes, stay informed, know your rights, and seek help if needed. The decisions made in the coming days will shape not only the future of immigration policy but also the relationship between the federal government, the states, and the people they serve.

Learn Today

National Guard → A reserve military force controlled by states but can be federalized for national emergencies.
10 U.S.C. § 12406 → A federal law allowing the president to call National Guard troops without state consent in emergencies.
Federalization → The process of bringing state National Guard units under federal control for specific missions or emergencies.
Insurrection Act → Law permitting U.S. president to deploy military for domestic disturbances under defined conditions.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids on unauthorized immigrants.

This Article in a Nutshell

On June 18, 2025, President Trump ordered 2,000 more National Guard troops be sent to Los Angeles amidst immigration protests, raising constitutional debates over federal power and mounting legal challenges from California officials opposing the unprecedented military presence in civilian affairs.
— By VisaVerge.com