Hegseth approves return of 150 National Guard troops to California wildfire duty
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given the green light to release 150 California National Guard troops from their federal security mission in Los Angeles. This decision will allow them to shift their focus to wildfire duty as the state enters peak fire season.
Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, recommended the release of these troops. A spokesperson for USNORTHCOM stated, “Task Force 51 will release approximately 150 members of the California National Guard from the Federal Protection mission today,” ensuring that the force remains appropriately sourced.
The move to release these troops comes after Guillot requested the return of 200 troops to assist with wildfire containment efforts. The National Guard’s elite Joint Task Force Rattlesnake has been under strain since President Donald Trump deployed around 4,000 California National Guard troops and 800 Marines to Los Angeles in response to violent protests regarding immigration enforcement.
Governor Gavin Newsom and other state political leaders criticized the deployment, citing concerns about the strain on firefighting resources during an exceptionally dry year. However, the Pentagon maintained its stance until now.
Task Force 51, led by Maj. Gen. Scott M. Sherman, is responsible for protecting federal personnel and property. The force provides a rapid deployable capability for homeland defense operations and Sherman also serves as the deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army North.
Despite the controversy surrounding the mission during the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, Secretary Hegseth has supported it. With the release of 150 troops, approximately 3,850 troops remain out of the originally deployed 4,000.
Governor Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The decision to release these troops will allow them to focus on firefighting efforts during this critical time of peak fire season in California.
