Deployment of the military in LA and protests, the direction America is heading and the future of Trump's immigration policy

LA military deployment situation

In June 2025, Los Angeles (LA) in the United States was plunged into severe chaos. The trigger was a large-scale immigration arrest operation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and as citizen protests against it intensified, the situation deteriorated uncontrollably. Former President Donald Trump declared federal government intervention and deployed 4,000 California National Guard members and over 700 Marines to LA. However, this military deployment raised serious issues as it was unilaterally decided despite opposition from the California state government and the LA city government. Former President Trump cited federal law, national asset protection, and “failure of law enforcement” as justifications, but the process directly conflicted with key principles of American democracy, including the separation of powers between federal and state governments and the protection of citizens' rights to protest. This escalated into an event that shook the very political structure of the United States, going beyond mere suppression of protests.

Federal Power vs State Sovereignty: Legal Conflicts and Diverging Judgments

Former President Trump's decision to deploy the military has triggered immediate legal responses. The state of California has requested an urgent injunction from the court, claiming that the deployment of troops is an abuse of federal authority. The U.S. District Court for San Francisco ordered the withdrawal of troops, stating that it is "not a situation of insurrection or rebellion." However, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals suspended the lower court's ruling, acknowledging that the president's judgment is a matter "necessary for national security and maintaining order." This has become a direct challenge to the principle of separation of powers in the U.S. Constitution, which grants the governor control over the state National Guard. The president's act of disregarding the state government's opposition and deploying military force is a very rare occurrence in American history, raising concerns that it could set a bad precedent in similar situations in the future.

Civil protests and divided public opinion: escalating conflicts

The LA protests began peacefully, but after the military forces were deployed, there was a surge in violence and arrests in some areas. In particular, the deployment of the Marines was interpreted as a political message intended to showcase the power and will of the federal government rather than to suppress the protests. This is also evident in the fact that even local police and fire authorities did not recognize the need for military involvement. Public opinion was sharply divided. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, nationwide, 48% supported military deployment while 41% opposed it, but in California, opposition exceeded the majority. The demands of the protesters expanded beyond opposing immigration policies to concerns about the abuse of federal power and calls for the protection of citizens' basic rights. While military deployment may have succeeded in suppressing the protests in the short term, it deepened distrust and division between the community and the federal government in the long term.

Radicalization of Trump's Immigration Policy: Economic and Social Implications

The Trump administration's immigration policy is attempting structural changes beyond simple enforcement. A notable example is 'Project 2025'. This plan includes large-scale deportations of illegal immigrants, reduction of asylum procedures, militarization of the borders, and expansion of immigration detention facilities. As of June 2025, visa and travel restrictions have taken effect for 19 countries. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) statistics, the number of arrests in March 2025 decreased by 95% compared to the same period last year, but this is only a short-term effect of the policy. These policies are seriously impacting the economy. Industries that heavily rely on immigrant labor, such as agriculture, food processing, and construction, are experiencing exacerbated labor shortages. Furthermore, attempts to abolish birthright citizenship are facing criticism for being unconstitutional, and joint lawsuits are being prepared by the federal government, state governments, civic organizations, and businesses. In the immigrant community, fear and distrust are spreading, which is negatively affecting community cohesion and safety.

Conclusion: America on the Test of Democracy

The 2025 LA military deployment incident is an event that shakes the foundations of American democracy. Former President Trump's hardline immigration policy and military intervention may be effective in enforcing the government's will in the short term, but they lead to serious side effects such as abuse of power, erosion of constitutional values, and social division. The United States stands at a crucial crossroads where it must find a balance between concentration and diffusion of power, security and human rights, order and freedom. If the fundamental principles of democracy, such as citizens' right to protest, freedom of expression, states' autonomy, and limited exercise of federal power, are ignored, it will signify a crisis for American democracy. Which path will America choose now? Will it prioritize control, or will it restore freedom and balance? That choice will determine the future of American society.