In a recent escalation of federal response, President Donald Trump has dispatched thousands of National Guard members along with 700 active-duty Marines to address the unrest in Los Angeles stemming from immigration enforcement operations. This move comes despite strong resistance from California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and other local officials.
The National Guard members are now actively engaged in safeguarding officers during arrests, marking an operational extension from their previous duty of merely protecting federal properties. These actions align with Trump’s earlier campaign promises, wherein he committed to execute the most extensive deportation initiative the United States has witnessed and expressed readiness to employ military force if necessary to achieve this goal.
Trump’s stance on utilizing military resources for immigration enforcement has evolved since his 2020 presidential campaign. Initially, he steered clear of employing the Insurrection Act to combat civil unrest within the states but later altered his approach.
Recently, in 2025, President Trump remarked on the potential use of the Insurrection Act, stating, “If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it.” These comments suggest he is open to activating one of the most extreme emergency powers available to the president, aimed at suppressing rebellion or enforcing law during domestic disturbances.
Historically, the Insurrection Act, a composite of statutes from 1792 to 1871, empowers a president to call up military forces in situations resembling rebellion. By mobilizing federal troops despite objections from Governor Newsom, Trump utilized a legal prerogative authorizing federal action in response to perceived threats against U.S. governmental authority.
In a 2024 interview with Time Magazine, Trump reiterated his willingness to deploy military resources if necessary, emphasizing the need for national safety and order. While he acknowledged preferring the National Guard for managing immigration challenges, he did not dismiss the possibility of military intervention if situations escalated.
Upon triumphing in the November elections, Trump began detailing his administration’s approach to immigration, which included plans for mass deportations of 15 to 20 million undocumented immigrants. This initiative was part of a broader strategy to bolster border security, utilizing military resources to support the Department of Homeland Security with logistics and enforcement.
Back in 2020, during an election town hall hosted by ABC News, Trump expressed reluctance to invoke the Insurrection Act as unnecessary, emphasizing adherence to legal frameworks and protocols, including waiting for a governor’s request to activate the National Guard. This past reluctance contrasts with his recent assertions where federal intervention takes precedence.
As President Trump continues to execute his administration’s immigration agenda, discussions about the roles of various military and federal forces in upholding laws and securing borders remain central to his policy initiatives. The implications of these moves, politically and socially, continue to stir debates and tensions within different states, especially those with conflicting political leadership.