In a striking display of federal authority, Vice President JD Vance visited Los Angeles on Friday to meet with troops deployed to manage escalating protests over immigration enforcement.
According to Newsmax, on Friday, Vance engaged with some of the 700 U.S. Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops sent to Los Angeles by President Donald Trump earlier this month, a move that has fueled national debate and local tensions while prompting sharp criticism of Democratic leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom.
The deployment of troops to Los Angeles began earlier this month under orders from President Trump. The decision came in response to widespread protests sparked by immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents targeting workplaces across the city. These raids and the subsequent military presence have intensified political friction in Los Angeles, the nation’s second-largest city.
The use of military forces on domestic soil has ignited a broader discussion across the country about the boundaries of federal power. Many question whether such a response is appropriate for handling civil unrest tied to immigration policy. President Trump’s move faced immediate opposition from California’s Democratic leadership, who argue it oversteps legal and ethical lines.
Governor Gavin Newsom, a prominent Democrat, has openly criticized the deployment as unconstitutional and inflammatory. He contends that the presence of troops has worsened the protests rather than calmed them. Newsom’s stance reflects a deep divide between state and federal approaches to immigration and public safety.
Adding to the complexity, a U.S. appeals court ruled on Thursday in favor of Trump’s control over California’s National Guard. This decision effectively sidelined Newsom’s objections to the deployment. The ruling has further emboldened federal actions in the state, despite local resistance.
During his visit on Friday, Vice President Vance met with a portion of the deployed forces, including Marines and National Guard members. He expressed strong support for their role in maintaining order amid the unrest. Vance offered no timeline for when the troops might withdraw, suggesting their presence could be extended. “The soldiers and Marines are still very much a necessary part of what's going on here, because they're worried that it's going to flare back up,” Vance stated. His comments indicate a belief that the situation remains volatile and requires ongoing federal intervention. This stance has drawn concern from critics who fear a long-term military footprint in the city.
Vance also described the deployment as “a completely legitimate and proper use of federal law enforcement.” He framed the military’s role as a necessary response to the challenges posed by the protests. His remarks underscore the administration’s commitment to a hardline approach on immigration issues.
Beyond defending the troops, Vance sharply criticized Democratic state and city officials during his visit. He accused Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of promoting illegal border crossings. Vance further claimed they have neglected to address undocumented individuals in the city effectively.
In addition, Vance blamed Newsom and Bass for not supporting local and state law enforcement in their duties. “They have treated Border Patrol and border enforcement as somehow an illegitimate force, instead of what they are, which is the American people's law enforcement trying to enforce the American people's laws,” he said. His words reflect a deep frustration with California’s approach to immigration enforcement.
In response, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, called Vance’s accusations “categorically false.” “The Governor has consistently condemned violence and has made his stance clear,” Crofts-Pelayo added. Newsom’s office has sought to counter the narrative that state leadership is soft on crime or unrest.
On June 9, Newsom took to social media to address the situation directly. “Foolish agitators who take advantage of Trump's chaos will be held accountable,” he posted on X. His message aimed to distance his administration from any perception of leniency toward violence or disorder.
The clash between Vance and Newsom highlights broader political tensions that extend beyond Los Angeles. Newsom, seen as a potential presidential contender in 2028, could face Vance in a future national election. Their current conflict over troop deployment and immigration policy may foreshadow larger battles ahead.
In Los Angeles, the ongoing presence of troops continues to shape daily life and public sentiment. Residents and activists remain divided over the federal response to the immigration raids and protests. The city remains a focal point for national debates on immigration, security, and state versus federal authority. As the situation unfolds, there is no clear indication of when or if the military presence will end. Both federal and state leaders appear entrenched in their positions, leaving room for further escalation. The coming weeks will likely test the resilience of Los Angeles and the limits of federal power on domestic soil.