In response to protests against deportation operations in Los Angeles, Donald Trump’s administration has deployed 4,000 national guard members and 700 marines, despite objections from local officials and the California governor. This deployment marks a rare instance of a president activating a state’s national guard without the governor’s request. Governor Gavin Newsom has sued to block the use of military forces, labeling it an “illegal deployment” that threatens democracy.

The president utilized Title 10 authority to place California’s national guard under federal command, allowing troops to support immigration officers without engaging in law enforcement activities. The deployment is estimated to cost at least $134 million and is defended by the administration as necessary to maintain peace and assist law enforcement.

While the role of the national guard troops and marines is limited to protecting federal officials and property, concerns have been raised about the potential escalation of force and the precedent set for future troop deployments. Historically, similar laws have been used during the civil rights era and in response to riots, but generally with the agreement of state governors.

Trump’s willingness to use the military on home soil has been demonstrated in previous instances, such as requesting national guard deployments to Washington, DC, during protests following George Floyd’s death. The threat of invoking the Insurrection Act has been raised by Trump in the past, signaling a shift towards a more assertive use of military forces for domestic purposes.