Trump Pulls Troops from Three Cities
President Trump recently declared his intention to withdraw National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. He claimed that crime rates in these cities had dropped because of the troops' presence. However, he also hinted that the troops might return if crime rates were to rise again.
Supreme Court Rejection
Trump's announcement came just over a week after the Supreme Court rejected his administration's request to deploy the National Guard in Chicago. The court stated that Trump had not provided a valid legal basis for such a deployment. This decision highlights the ongoing debate about the extent of the federal government's authority in domestic law enforcement.
Operational Activities Halted
The National Guard troops had been activated in response to various law enforcement needs, including protecting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. However, their operational activities were halted on December 15. The troops were under the command of the U. S. Northern Command, which stated that they were conducting planning and training but not engaging in operational activities.
Governor Newsom's Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed the return of the California National Guard troops to state control. He criticized Trump's decision to deploy the troops, calling it "political theatre" and emphasizing the importance of adhering to constitutional and federal laws.
Ongoing Debate
Trump's decision to send the National Guard into U. S. cities has been a topic of discussion for some time. In October, while in Yokohama, Japan, he spoke about his plans to ensure the safety of cities like Washington, D. C. and Chicago. He stated that the National Guard would be deployed, and if more force was needed, it would be provided.
Legal Challenges
The debate over the deployment of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement operations continues. Legal challenges have been filed, questioning the federal government's authority to deploy troops for such purposes. The outcome of these challenges will have significant implications for the role of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement.
