### Tensions Rise in Los Angeles as VP Vance Calls for Continued Military Presence Amid Immigration Protests - Vice President JD Vance visited Los Angeles on June 21, 2025, to meet with troops deployed to manage protests against immigration raids. His visit comes amid accusations against Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, for allegedly encouraging illegal immigration. Vance emphasized the necessity of maintaining military presence in the city, citing potential flare-ups in tensions as a reason for their continued deployment [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/vance-los-angeles-says-troops-need-stay-blasts-newsom-over-immigration-2025-06-21]. ### Overview of Vance's Position and Actions 1. **Troop Deployment**: Vance asserted that the thousands of National Guard members and Marines currently in Los Angeles are essential for maintaining order, despite a relative calm in the area [https://au.news.yahoo.com/vp-vance-says-us-troops-072914190.html]. 2. **Criticism of Local Leaders**: He criticized Governor Newsom and other local officials for their inaction regarding immigration policies, suggesting that their lack of response has exacerbated the situation [https://www.scmp.com/news/us/politics/article/3315316/us-vance-says-troops-los-angeles-need-stay-slams-newsom-inaction]. 3. **Legal Context**: Vance's comments follow a ruling by a U.S. appeals court that allows former President Trump to retain control over California's National Guard, which adds a legal dimension to the ongoing military presence [https://www.scmp.com/news/us/politics/article/3315316/us-vance-says-troops-los-angeles-need-stay-slams-newsom-inaction]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Military Presence**: Thousands of National Guard members and Marines are currently deployed in Los Angeles, a move that Vance argues is necessary to prevent further unrest [https://au.news.yahoo.com/vp-vance-says-us-troops-072914190.html]. - **Protests**: The protests in Los Angeles are a direct response to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions, which have sparked significant public outcry [https://deadline.com/2025/06/jd-vance-los-angeles-visit-1236438356]. - **Political Climate**: The political landscape is marked by a stark divide between Republican and Democratic leaders regarding immigration policy, with Vance's visit highlighting the ongoing tensions [https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/06/20/jd-vance-los-angeles-tensions-over-immigration]. ### Conclusion: A Divided Response to Immigration Policy 1. **Continued Military Presence**: Vance's insistence on keeping troops in Los Angeles underscores the administration's commitment to a hardline stance on immigration enforcement. 2. **Political Critique**: His criticism of local leaders reflects a broader Republican narrative that blames Democratic policies for the immigration crisis. 3. **Legal and Social Implications**: The ongoing legal battles and public protests indicate a complex and contentious environment surrounding immigration policy in California. In summary, Vice President JD Vance's visit to Los Angeles highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, the necessity of military presence, and the political divide that characterizes the current landscape [https://www.wcpo.com/politics/immigration/vice-president-jd-vance-visits-california-amid-protests-over-immigration-policy].