The Pentagon sent 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles amid protests

Almost two weeks after the start of the protests against ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement), an additional 2,000 soldiers of the US National Guard were sent to Los Angeles. This was announced on June 18 on the official website of the US Department of Defense.

According to the ministry, military personnel have been put on alert by order of Defense Minister Pete Hegseth to protect federal facilities, personnel and infrastructure. They are being trained in de-escalation, crowd control, and rules of engagement.

The Pentagon stressed that the fighters would not be involved in police operations, including searches and detentions. Their task is to protect the personnel, buildings and infrastructure of federal agencies against the background of protests against ICE.

"[The operation involves] the 49th Military Police Brigade, together with the 79th Infantry Brigade and the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment, under the leadership of Task Force 51, commanded by Major General Scott M. Sherman. Currently, it consists of about 4,100 National Guard soldiers <...> and about 700 Marines," the document says.

Pain and loss: U.S. spent at least $2 million to deport migrants

The Pentagon confirmed to Izvestia the use of C-17 military aircraft for this purpose - one hour of their operation costs more than $19 thousand.

On June 14, large-scale rallies against President Trump's migration policy began in the American city of Philadelphia. On the same day, the Virginia state police detained a man who purposefully crashed into a crowd of protesters opposed to the actions of the American leader. At least one person was injured in the incident.

Mass protests in California began after a police raid to identify illegal migrants, during which 45 people were detained. On June 8, Trump ordered the National Guard to be sent to the state to stop the riots, which was condemned by the governors of 22 states, regarding it as an "abuse of power."