Los angeles: The Pentagon said Tuesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of half of the 4,000 National Guard troops sent to Los Angeles to protect federal property and personnel during protests last month.

According to Thai News Agency, the Defense Ministry spokesman stated that the decision to withdraw troops was made after it was determined that the mission had been successfully completed. President Donald Trump had ordered the California Homeland Guard to be deployed to Los Angeles in June, despite objections from Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, aiming to address protests over ICE raids. Additionally, Trump sent approximately 700 Marines to the area.

Despite facing legal challenges, a US appeals court has permitted Trump to maintain control over California’s National Guard. However, his decision to deploy troops in Los Angeles has sparked a national debate regarding the use of US troops on domestic soil, intensifying political tensions in the nation’s second-most populous city.