United States: Freedom House Expresses Concerns Over Military Deployment to Los Angeles

WASHINGTON—In response to the Trump administration’s activation and deployment of members of the military for “the protection of federal functions and property” during protests in Los Angeles, Freedom House interim Copresidents Gerardo Berthin and Annie Boyajian issued the following statement: 

“We are concerned by the activation and deployment of military personnel on US soil in response to protests in Los Angeles. We urge the Trump administration to limit domestic use of the military and abide by court decisions related to this deployment. 

“History demonstrates that the protection of free expression and adherence to the rule of law by federal, state, and local officials is critically important for the protection and endurance of freedom and democracy. 

“Extreme caution should be exercised in federalizing the National Guard or in deploying standing, active-duty military on domestic soil, particularly when local authorities such as governors and mayors oppose or have not called for federal assistance. 

“Historically, such measures have been exercised in the United States at the request of local authorities, usually in extraordinary circumstances. Deploying military personnel to protests risks escalating tensions between law enforcement and protesters, particularly given that local authorities are opposed to their deployment. Overuse of emergency powers or use of the military for domestic governance risks undermining public trust in democratic institutions and constitutional principles around the rule of law, separation of powers, and the right to peaceful protest. 

“As litigation related to the Los Angeles troop deployment works its way through the courts, we urge the Trump administration to limit additional domestic use of the military. 

“Local, state, and federal authorities should ensure that anyone detained in relation to these protests enjoys full protection of their due process rights. 

“While reports have indicated that the majority of protesters have been peaceful, incidents of rioting are deeply troubling. Violence against law enforcement, looting, and destruction of property by protesters is unacceptable and counter to the principles of democratic expression. 

“As the US Constitution affirmed centuries ago, peaceful assembly and expression, including protest, are sacred American values and fundamental to how millions around the world engage in political expression and discourse. Federal, state, and local authorities have a duty to protect peaceful assembly and expression and uphold due process for all—rights enshrined in the Constitution and affirmed by the US Supreme Court. Failure to uphold these principles could adversely impact US democracy in the long run.” 

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Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to create a world where all are free. We inform the world about threats to freedom, mobilize global action, and support democracy’s defenders.