Sacramento, California — A military commander has proposed shifting some of the California National Guard troops deployed for protest duty in Los Angeles to assist with the growing threat of wildfires in the state, U.S. officials confirmed.
Gen. Gregory Guillot, head of U.S. Northern Command, has made the request to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, suggesting that 200 of the roughly 4,000 California National Guard members currently stationed in Los Angeles be reassigned to wildfire duty.
The Purpose of the Proposed Move
The decision to move some troops comes as California braces for an “early and active” wildfire season, with predictions of above-average activity in July and August.
California officials have expressed concern that the National Guard’s current focus on protest management may hinder the state’s ability to adequately respond to wildfires, which can occur at any time of the year but peak during the summer and fall months.
The Los Angeles Deployment Controversy
The Trump administration’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles has been controversial, particularly in light of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s objections.
The state argues that the deployment, which was ordered in response to protests over immigration policies, was both unnecessary and illegal.
The Guard’s role in protecting federal buildings and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from protests has sparked legal challenges. Critics, including Newsom, maintain that the deployment interferes with California’s wildfire preparedness and firefighting efforts.
State officials have stated that California’s Guard firefighting force is operating at only 40% capacity due to the ongoing deployment in Los Angeles, despite the state facing its most critical wildfire season.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has warned that the state may be left short-handed during the peak months of wildfire season.
Legal Challenges and Court Rulings
California quickly filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the deployment, claiming that Governor Newsom should have the authority to approve the call-up of the National Guard.
A federal district court initially sided with California, ruling that the deployment could interfere with the state’s wildfire response efforts. However, a panel of appellate court judges paused the ruling, allowing the troops to remain in Los Angeles.
Under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, the president can call up the National Guard during situations like “rebellion” or when federal forces are unable to execute the laws of the United States.
The Trump administration argued that the deployment was warranted due to the threat of violence against immigration officials, while the state of California claimed that the deployment was a “power grab” and a violation of its rights.
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What’s Next for California’s Firefighting Resources?
As California grapples with the ongoing legal battle and the looming wildfire season, officials continue to express concern about the state’s preparedness.
The National Guard’s firefighting resources are vital to supporting Cal Fire, which faces increasingly frequent and severe wildfires. Governor Newsom has urged for a balance that allows both safety from protests and a well-equipped response to wildfire threats.
The shift of troops to wildfire duty remains uncertain, but it highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities in the deployment of National Guard resources
What are your thoughts on the deployment of National Guard troops in California? How should the state balance protest safety with wildfire preparedness? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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