Tag Archives: Karen Bass

Guard Troops

Pentagon Retreats as Guard Troops Exit Los Angeles Amid Immigration Unrest

Leave a reply

In a dramatic turn of events, the Trump administration has begun pulling back California National Guard troops from Los Angeles, marking a partial retreat from its heavily criticized military response to immigration protests. The sudden withdrawal of 2,000 soldiers, deployed amidst raids on local businesses, hints at a quiet shift in federal strategy. As tensions simmer and political voices clash, questions now arise about the future of the remaining forces, the use of federal power, and the fine line between public safety and political theatre—unfolding under a sky still heavy with unrest.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • 2,000 California National Guard troops withdrawn from Los Angeles by Trump administration

  • Original deployment of 4,000 troops was in response to protests over immigration raids

  • Federal raids targeted farms, restaurants, and hardware stores in the Los Angeles area

  • Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass criticize federal overreach and call for complete troop withdrawal

  • Trump claimed LA would be “burning” without military presence

  • Federal appeals court allowed Trump to retain control over Guard deployment

  • One brigade remains in the city with no clear timeline for full demobilization

  • Trump silent on withdrawal after returning to Washington from Pittsburgh

In a move signaling a shift in federal strategy, the Trump administration has begun withdrawing half of the National Guard troops it had deployed to Los Angeles in response to weeks of protests triggered by aggressive immigration enforcement. The withdrawal, affecting nearly 2,000 members of the California National Guard, marks a partial rollback of President Donald Trump’s militarized approach to civil unrest across Southern California.

The protests erupted after a wave of immigration raids conducted by federal authorities targeted farms, restaurants, and hardware stores throughout the Los Angeles area. Tensions quickly escalated, prompting the administration to deploy 4,000 California National Guardsmen on June 7, alongside 700 U.S. Marines tasked with protecting federal properties. The scale and nature of the deployment drew swift and intense backlash from California’s Democratic leaders, who questioned the necessity and legality of the president’s actions.

Pentagon officials stated that the decision to release half of the deployed troops came after assessing the ground situation.

“Thanks to our troops who stepped up to answer the call, the lawlessness in Los Angeles is subsiding,”
said Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell in a statement issued on July 15.

“As such, the Secretary has ordered the release of 2,000 California National Guardsmen (79th IBCT) from the federal protection mission.”

The military deployment was widely seen as a federal show of force amid the unrest. But as demonstrations continued—many of them peaceful—critics increasingly accused the administration of overstepping its authority and fueling tension rather than defusing it. President Trump, defending the original deployment, insisted that federal intervention was essential to maintain order.

“Los Angeles would be burning right now,”
Trump previously claimed,
“if not for the military presence.”

Despite this, Governor Gavin Newsom, who has consistently opposed the militarization of the state’s streets, reiterated his call for a full withdrawal of National Guard personnel.

“While nearly 2,000 of them are starting to demobilize, the remaining guards members continue without a mission, without direction, and without any hopes of returning to help their communities,”
Newsom said in a formal statement.

“We call on Trump and the Department of Defense to end this theater and send everyone home now.”

The governor had earlier taken legal action against the Trump administration over the federalized guard deployment. Newsom and other state officials maintained that the National Guard should serve state emergencies—not be drawn into federal political conflicts.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the decision to scale back the military presence. Bass, who had joined legal and civic efforts to oppose the deployment, viewed the withdrawal as a testament to community resilience.

“This happened because the people of Los Angeles stood united and stood strong,”
Bass declared.

“We organized peaceful protests, we came together at rallies, we took the Trump administration to court—all of this led to today’s retreat.”

She added that the city’s fight was far from over.

“We will not stop making our voices heard until this ends, not just here in LA, but throughout our country,”
she said.

According to a Defense Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the withdrawn troops belong to one brigade, while another brigade—consisting of several thousand soldiers—remains stationed in the region. Though critics continue to press for full withdrawal, the Pentagon has not indicated a specific timeline for the return of the remaining guardsmen.

The partial drawdown comes even as a federal appeals court ruled in June that the Trump administration could retain operational control over the National Guard under the current mission.

Trump, returning to the White House from a trip to Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, did not respond to a reporter’s question about the withdrawal decision. The president walked past the press pool without offering comment, maintaining silence on a development that has drawn national attention.

As protests continue to ripple across the country over immigration policy and federal enforcement tactics, the events in Los Angeles reflect a broader debate about the limits of presidential authority and the role of the military in managing domestic unrest.

The Pentagon’s decision to withdraw a significant portion of National Guard troops from Los Angeles marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding immigration protest narrative. As military boots leave city streets and political pressure intensifies, the focus shifts to the broader implications of federal power in local crises. While the administration maintains its stance on law and order, the public and state leaders continue to challenge the necessity—and legality—of such deployments. In this evolving landscape, the line between protection and provocation remains thin, and the final act is far from over.

Appreciating your time:

We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.

Post a Comment:

In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss out on future updates and articles.

Los Angeles Tunnel Crumbles, LAFD Pulls Off Daring Rescue of All Workers

Leave a reply

A sudden tunnel collapse inside a sprawling Los Angeles industrial complex sparked hours of deep concern on Wednesday evening, only to end in unexpected relief as all 31 trapped workers were safely rescued without injury. The incident unfolded nearly six miles underground in a massive wastewater tunnel project still under construction. As panic hovered beneath the surface, brave crews and quick-thinking workers turned a night of looming disaster into a tale of escape and precision. With no casualties, this dramatic rescue now echoes as a rare triumph beneath the city’s foundations.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • 31 tunnel workers rescued safely after underground collapse

  • Incident happened in wastewater tunnel project under construction

  • Workers had to climb over 12-15 feet of loose soil to reach safety

  • No serious injuries reported, 27 workers evaluated at the scene

  • More than 100 LAFD responders involved, including Urban Search and Rescue

  • Tunnel is expected to be completed by 2027

  • Mayor Karen Bass and LAFD Chief Ronnie Villanueva addressed media

Los Angeles narrowly avoided a major tragedy on Wednesday evening when a tunnel under construction in a large industrial complex partially collapsed, trapping over two dozen workers underground. In what officials are calling a “fortunate outcome,” all 31 workers who had been caught beyond the collapse zone were safely rescued without serious injuries.

The incident occurred inside a massive 18-foot diameter tunnel being excavated as part of a long-term municipal wastewater infrastructure project. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the collapse took place deep underground—at a yet-undetermined depth—approximately five to six miles from the sole access and rescue point.

A Race Against Uncertainty

When the collapse occurred, it momentarily created a dire situation deep within the city’s expanding wastewater system. However, the workers trapped behind the point of failure managed to stay calm and quickly assessed their path to safety. They had to make their way over a large pile of unstable, loose soil—reportedly 12 to 15 feet high—to reach a section of the tunnel that remained intact.

From there, they joined other colleagues and were transported, a few at a time, in tunnel utility vehicles toward the distant access point over five miles away. Emergency responders met them at the surface, using a crane to hoist them out in cages—groups of about eight at a time.

Official Statements

Interim LAFD Chief Ronnie Villanueva described the rescue effort with a sense of relief, though tempered by caution.

“Tonight, we were lucky,” he told reporters at a late evening press conference. “The conditions underground were unpredictable, and a collapse of this nature could have ended much worse.”

Villanueva also acknowledged the swift and coordinated action by specialized units trained for such incidents.

“Our Urban Search and Rescue teams are among the best, and this evening they showed why their training matters.”

The department dispatched over 100 personnel to the scene, including confined space specialists certified to handle complex tunnel environments. Their goal was to ensure a safe exit for all workers, while continuing to assess structural risks underground.

A Mayor’s Relief

Mayor Karen Bass also arrived at the scene to speak with workers and emergency crews. Her remarks struck a personal tone, reflecting both her concern and relief.

“We’re all blessed today in Los Angeles,” Bass told reporters. “No one injured. Everyone safe. And I am feeling very, very good that this is a great outcome to what started as a very scary evening.”

She added that she had spoken directly with several of the rescued workers.

“Their composure and strength were truly admirable,” she said. “And to our emergency responders—you are L.A.’s true heroes.”

Mayor Bass later reiterated her appreciation in a post on social media platform X, writing,

“I just spoke with many of the workers who were trapped. Thank you to all of our brave first responders who acted immediately. You are L.A.’s true heroes.”

Still Unanswered Questions

While the outcome was positive, several questions remain unanswered. It is still unclear whether the cage-hoisting method used during the extraction was part of standard operating procedures or was specially implemented due to the emergency conditions. Witnesses at the scene reported that most workers appeared physically unhurt and were able to walk without assistance.

As a precautionary measure, at least 27 workers were examined by paramedics at the site. None showed signs of visible injury, and all were reportedly in stable condition.

The tunnel, which is a key component of the city’s wastewater management upgrade, is part of a multi-year infrastructure initiative and is not expected to be completed until 2027, according to local affiliate KABC.

A Close Call

Though the incident concluded without physical harm, officials emphasized the seriousness of the collapse and the potential dangers involved in such deep excavation projects.

“This was not just a lucky night—it was the result of skilled planning, training, and some quick thinking by the workers themselves,” said Chief Villanueva.

As work resumes on the tunnel, investigators will likely focus on identifying the cause of the collapse and ensuring future safety protocols are enhanced.

For now, Los Angeles is breathing a collective sigh of relief.

What could have spiraled into a devastating catastrophe beneath Los Angeles ended instead as a rare and reassuring victory for both the workers and emergency crews. With every individual safely returned to the surface, the tunnel collapse stands as a stark reminder of the risks faced in massive infrastructure undertakings—yet also a testament to preparedness, swift coordination, and human resilience. As the city now turns to investigate the cause and reinforce future safety, this incident closes with no injuries, no losses—only relief, reflection, and quiet applause for those who acted without hesitation.

Appreciating your time:

We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.

Post a Comment:

In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss out on future updates and articles.