Fact Check: "Trump's order to mobilize National Guard could escalate violence in Los Angeles."
What We Know
On June 8, 2025, President Trump ordered the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response to violent protests related to immigration enforcement actions. This decision followed a weekend of clashes between law enforcement and protesters, which included incidents of violence where protesters reportedly threw concrete and other objects at police officers (CBS News, NPR). The deployment was justified by the President as a necessary measure to protect federal personnel and property amid ongoing threats of violence (The LA military deployments and the law).
The legal basis for this deployment is rooted in 10 U.S.C. § 12406, which allows the federal government to mobilize National Guard troops for specific purposes, including protecting federal agents and property (The LA military deployments and the law). However, the Posse Comitatus Act restricts the use of federal military forces in domestic law enforcement, leading to debates about the legality and implications of such deployments (The LA military deployments and the law).
Analysis
The claim that Trump's order could escalate violence in Los Angeles is supported by various reports indicating that the deployment itself has already led to increased tensions. For instance, an appeals court noted that the presence of the National Guard could "further escalate tensions and the risk of violence" (Reuters). Additionally, reports from the ground indicate that while protests were initially peaceful, the situation deteriorated significantly following the announcement of the troop deployment, with incidents of violence reported, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by law enforcement (The Boston Globe, CNN).
However, the deployment's stated purpose is to protect federal agents and property, which raises questions about whether the presence of troops is indeed a catalyst for violence or a necessary response to an already volatile situation. The President's memorandum emphasizes a protective function rather than active law enforcement, which complicates the narrative of escalation (The LA military deployments and the law).
The sources used in this analysis vary in reliability. The legal commentary from Charlie Dunlap, J.D., provides a detailed examination of the legal framework surrounding the deployment, while news reports from established outlets such as CBS News and Reuters offer timely updates on the situation. However, the potential for bias exists, especially in politically charged contexts like this, where interpretations of events can be influenced by the publication's stance (The LA military deployments and the law, CBS News).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump's order to mobilize the National Guard could escalate violence in Los Angeles is Partially True. While the deployment has coincided with increased tensions and violence, it is also framed as a protective measure in response to existing threats. The situation is complex, with the potential for both escalation and de-escalation depending on how the troops are utilized and how the local community responds to their presence.
