U.S. troop presence in Los Angeles surpasses forces in Iraq and Syria

The number of U.S. troops deployed in Los Angeles has exceeded American military personnel currently stationed in Iraq and Syria, ABC News reported Wednesday.

According to the report, a combined force of 4,800 National Guard soldiers and U.S. Marines are now deployed in Los Angeles amid ongoing unrest sparked by federal immigration raids. For comparison, there are 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq and 1,500 in Syria.

The unrest began on June 6 in Paramount, a suburb of Los Angeles, following mass detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Protesters blocked roads, carried Mexican flags, and chanted slogans such as “ICE out of LA!”

U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to the city — the first such action without a state request since 1965. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move and sent a letter to the Pentagon demanding the withdrawal of troops, warning of “serious escalation.” He later announced plans to sue Trump, accusing him of acting unconstitutionally and fueling tensions.

Trump previously suggested that the protests may be funded by outside groups.