Colorado National Guard Units on Standby as Los Angeles Protests Spark Nationwide Military Deployments

Colorado military families and National Guard members are closely watching developments in Los Angeles, where an unprecedented deployment of federal troops has raised concerns about similar military responses to protests across the Western states.

The situation has particular significance for Colorado Springs' large military community, as Marines from California bases have been ordered to take over security duties at federal buildings in Los Angeles - a move that could set precedent for military deployments in other states.

"This unprecedented federal response has Colorado Guard leadership reviewing contingency plans," said retired Air Force Colonel James Martinez, a military analyst in Colorado Springs. "Our Guard members typically focus on wildfire response and disaster relief - not crowd control or federal building security."

According to federal directives issued this week, about 200 Marines are now stationed at the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, replacing National Guard troops who had been guarding the facility.

Impact on Colorado Military Communities

For Colorado's military-heavy communities, including Colorado Springs, Aurora, and the Denver Tech Center, the deployment raises questions about:

• Potential activation of local Guard units if protests spread
• Impact on military families with members serving in affected areas
• Precedent for using troops in domestic law enforcement roles
• Effects on Guard readiness for natural disasters like wildfires

• Potential activation of local Guard units if protests spread
• Impact on military families with members serving in affected areas
• Precedent for using troops in domestic law enforcement roles
• Effects on Guard readiness for natural disasters like wildfires

"It's a good cause," said Robert G. Luna, the Los Angeles County sheriff, referring to peaceful protests. "But we do not want violent agitators out there destroying property or committing acts of violence."

The developments come as nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations are planned for Saturday in all 50 states, including permitted protests scheduled in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder. Colorado law enforcement officials have emphasized they are prepared to protect both public safety and First Amendment rights.

For Colorado's large immigrant communities, particularly in areas like Aurora and Commerce City, the increased military presence in Los Angeles has sparked concern about similar enforcement actions locally. Recent changes in federal policy have expanded where immigration enforcement can occur, including at hospitals and other previously protected locations.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has not commented specifically on the Los Angeles deployments but has previously stated that any federal law enforcement activities in Colorado must be coordinated with state and local authorities.

For now, Colorado National Guard officials say their units remain focused on their traditional state missions, including wildfire preparation as the summer season approaches. But they acknowledge monitoring the situation in California closely as it could affect future deployments and protocols nationwide.

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