Solis Issues Statement Following the Release of About 2,000 National Guard Troops in Los Angeles County

Solis urges the remaining National Guard troops and 700 Marines still stationed in Los Angeles County, to be withdrawn immediately. 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, after the Trump Administration announced the release of 2,000 California National Guard troops, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement:

“Since June 6th, the presence of California National Guard members and military personnel, alongside masked immigration enforcement agents, has done nothing but instill fear and severely disrupt the lives of Angelenos. Still, Los Angeles County residents have stayed strong and united, exercising their constitutional rights peacefully throughout the last month, while taking care of one another through mutual aid and grassroots efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe. In the wake of this past Friday’s temporary restraining order halting these unlawful raids, it is clearer than ever that the federalization and deployment of Guard forces was not only unnecessary, but it was also a gross misuse of military force.

The excessive show of military power has traumatized vulnerable communities and deeply eroded the trust between residents and government institutions. It stands in stark contrast to the role these same Guard members played just months ago, when they were partners in responding to the devastating January wildfires.

To now see them deployed against the very communities they once served is deeply troubling. I urge that the remaining National Guard troops, along with the 700 Marines still stationed here, be withdrawn immediately. Their continued presence serves no constructive purpose and only perpetuates a climate of intimidation and distress.”