US: California National Guard Deployment to Los Angeles Faces Internal Dissent, Low Morale

 California National Guard Deployment to Los Angeles Faces Internal Dissent, Low Morale

The ongoing deployment of the California National Guard to the Los Angeles region is facing growing internal dissatisfaction, as several soldiers have voiced concerns over low morale and the nature of their mission.

Since the deployment began last month following orders from President Donald Trump, thousands of National Guard personnel have been stationed across Southern California. Their tasks have included guarding federal buildings and assisting in immigration enforcement operations—roles that have sparked controversy and public backlash.

In interviews conducted with six Guard members—including infantrymen, officers, and personnel in leadership positions—five expressed deep reservations about the assignment. All six requested anonymity, citing military rules against publicly discussing federal deployments and fears of retribution.

The soldiers described a dramatic shift in public reception since their earlier deployment in January, when they were sent to assist with wildfire containment efforts. At that time, residents in areas such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena praised their presence, with some celebrities publicly thanking them. However, recent weeks have seen a reversal, with some civilians now jeering at troops, criticizing their presence in traffic, and questioning their role in federal immigration operations.

“They gave Disneyland tickets to the people who worked in the wildfires,” one soldier said. “Nobody’s handing out Disneyland tickets now.”

Initial orders for the current deployment focused on helping to manage scattered protests. However, the mission has evolved into one that involves assisting federal immigration agents—assignments that some Guard members argue are legally ambiguous and politically charged.

Several soldiers reported raising objections internally, either personally or through colleagues, voicing concerns about participating in immigration crackdowns and expressing doubts over what some called a “fake mission.”

Officials familiar with the deployment said the decline in morale could have long-term consequences, potentially affecting recruitment and public trust in the state-based military force.

The California National Guard and the U.S. Department of Defense have not issued a formal response to the concerns raised by personnel.