Federal Forces Deploy to MacArthur Park Amidst Local Resistance and Political Theater

On July 7, 2025, a significant show of federal force unfolded in Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park, a neighborhood with a sizable immigrant community. Approximately 90 members of the California National Guard accompanied federal officers—some mounted on horseback—as they conducted an hour-long operation under the watchful eyes of both residents and Mayor Karen Bass.This deployment raises critical questions about the balance between maintaining law and order and yielding to political optics that often prioritize appearances over effective governance. While proponents argue such operations are essential for protecting communities from crime and ensuring public safety, local officials like Mayor Bass appeared more...