National Guard rehearsed show of force against immigration raid protesters in LA, general testifies

Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman testified in a trial regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles as a show of force against immigration raid protesters. The operation at MacArthur Park, initially planned for Father's Day, was moved to July 7 due to concerns about the potential for a large crowd. Sherman emphasized that the troops were instructed to protect federal agents and only exit their vehicles if directly threatened.

The operation, dubbed "Operation Excalibur," lasted just 20 minutes, as it had been rehearsed multiple times. Legal challenges are underway to determine if the deployment of 4,700 troops violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in domestic affairs. California's request to the court includes the demand for the federal government to stop using military troops for civilian law enforcement. Critics, including local officials, have labeled the operation a political stunt aimed at intimidating immigrant communities. The ongoing trial reflects broader concerns regarding the militarization of domestic policing under the Trump administration.