OpenCampaign

Immigration

National Guard Deployment in Los Angeles

Federal judges have ruled that a prolonged National Guard deployment in Los Angeles is unlawful, amid broader legal battles over the Trump administration's use of military force in U.S. cities. The deployment was tied to federal immigration enforcement operations in LA, raising civil liberties concerns and sparking conflict between city, state, and federal authorities.

Should the federal government be allowed to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles for immigration enforcement?

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Sources

Governing Magazine — https://www.governing.com/politics/the-biggest-issues-to-watch-in-2026
Federal judges have thus far blocked National Guard deployments in Portland, Ore., and Chicago and deemed their deployment in Washington, D.C., and prolonged deployment in Los Angeles, to be unlawful.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. No; military deployment in cities for immigration enforcement is unconstitutional and must be permanently stopped.
  2. No; local law enforcement and community trust are more effective — federal military presence is harmful.
  3. Only allow short-term, narrowly scoped deployments with full judicial oversight and local government consent.
  4. Support deployment if federal courts ultimately rule it lawful; immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.
  5. Yes; the federal government has authority to deploy the National Guard to enforce immigration law in sanctuary cities.

Immigration impacts in California

Immigration—its benefits and costs—is one of four key issues PPIC identifies at the forefront of California’s public conversation and a recurring state-federal flashpoint. Broad majorities across much of the state, including Los Angeles County’s diverse population centers, view immigrants as a benefit, though views track ideology and national politics.

Overall, how should Los Angeles County and California treat immigration’s role in the state?

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Sources

Public Policy Institute of California — https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-political-geography
Beyond partisan and ideological commitments, Californians have opinions about specific topics on the policy agenda. We have enough data to explore four key issues that have been at the forefront of the public conversation: the size of state government, the benefits and costs of immigrants and immigration, California’s role in climate change mitigation, and abortion access.
Public Policy Institute of California — https://www.ppic.org/publication/californias-political-geography
Most Californians agree on several key issues. Though the exact level of support varies, majorities across the state support abortion access, view immigrants as a benefit, and favor state action on climate change.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Expand immigrant inclusion, legal protections, and state services regardless of federal enforcement pressure
  2. Treat immigration as a net benefit and maintain welcoming state policies with limited cooperation on deportations
  3. Recognize mixed impacts: support legal immigration and integration while enforcing some rules
  4. Tighten enforcement cooperation and limit state benefits to reduce costs and illegal immigration
  5. Prioritize maximal local cooperation with federal deportations and cut immigrant-serving programs