Fact Check: "Sherman said that as of Wednesday about 500 of the Guard troops had been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations."
What We Know
On June 11, 2025, Major General Scott Sherman, the commander of Task Force 51, confirmed that approximately 500 National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles had received training to accompany agents on immigration operations. This statement was reported by multiple news outlets, including the Associated Press and WWNY TV. Sherman indicated that while some troops had already participated in such missions, it was too early to determine if this would continue after the protests subsided. He emphasized that the troops had undergone several days of training focused on civil unrest and crowd control, preparing them for potential law enforcement actions, although they are not classified as law enforcement personnel themselves.
Analysis
The claim that "about 500 of the Guard troops had been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations" is substantiated by credible sources. The Associated Press and ABC News both reported Sherman's statement, confirming the number of trained troops and their intended role in immigration operations. These sources are reputable and have a history of accurate reporting, which adds to their reliability.
However, it is important to note that Sherman initially made an incorrect statement regarding the detention of civilians by Guard members, which he later retracted. This indicates that while the information about the training is accurate, there may be nuances in the operational details that could evolve as the situation develops. The context of the deployment, including the protests and the legal implications of using military personnel in law enforcement roles, adds complexity to the narrative.
The training of these troops is part of a broader strategy that has been met with criticism from state officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has described the deployment as a "serious breach of state sovereignty" (AP News). This political backdrop may influence how the information is perceived and reported.
Conclusion
The claim that "Sherman said that as of Wednesday about 500 of the Guard troops had been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations" is True. The statement is supported by multiple reliable sources, and while there are complexities surrounding the operational context, the core fact regarding the training of the troops is accurate.
Sources
- About 500 National Guard troops in LA are trained to ... (https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-immigration-raids-los-angeles-c9957a0d4ded48e40ce78efb0b7a8fbf)
- Hundreds of National Guard troops trained to accompany ... (https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/06/11/national-guard-troops-trained-accompany-agents-on-immigration-operations/)
- US military can temporarily detain protesters in Los Angeles ... (https://abcnews.go.com/US/us-military-temporarily-detain-protesters-los-angeles-commander/story?id=122736204)
