Reed: Trump’s Deployment of National Guard Forces in LA is a Dangerous Escalation

WASHINGTON, DC-Today, President Trump federalized National Guard troops in California and deployed them to Los Angeles to respond to civil unrest around ongoing ICE operations. This is the first time National Guard troops have been federally activated without a state governor's consent since the 1960s.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response:

"While the safety of our communities is paramount, President Trump's decision to activate and deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles, and Secretary Hegseth's decision to put active-duty Marines on alert, raises serious concerns. Such unilateral action, taken without consultation with local leaders, risks escalating tensions rather than calming them.

"This move sets a troubling precedent for military intervention in local law enforcement. It is crucial that decisions of this magnitude are made with transparency, restraint, and respect for constitutional balance. The President and Defense Secretary should immediately stand down these troops and Congress should reject this dangerous overreaction."

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