California National Guard troops and Marines deployed to Los Angeles amidst protests against the Trump administration are expressing discontent with their assignment, fearing they are being used as pawns in a political battle they wish to avoid. Advocacy organizations report that affected service members are uncomfortable with being involved in domestic policing operations outside their usual scope. The deployment, ordered by Trump without California Governor Newsom’s consent, has raised concerns about the military’s role in civilian affairs.

Despite Trump’s assertions of widespread violence necessitating military presence, protests have largely been peaceful, with law enforcement handling incidents effectively. The deployment has faced criticism for lacking proper accommodations and support for service members. Public opinion polls reflect disapproval of both National Guard and Marine deployments, as well as Trump’s immigration policies.

Service members, prohibited from speaking publicly, have indirectly expressed dissatisfaction through their families. The consensus among military advocacy groups is that the military should not be used for politically motivated missions that blur the lines between military and civilian responsibilities. Safety concerns arise from the differing training and protocols of military and domestic police forces, highlighting the need to maintain the separation between military and law enforcement functions.

Overall, the discontent among service members in California and Texas underscores the importance of upholding the military’s apolitical nature and ensuring that military personnel are not used as tools for political agendas. The deployment in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential risks of involving the military in domestic law enforcement operations.