Keep Factually independent

Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.

Loading...Time left: ...
Loading...Goal: $500

Fact check: What impact did the National Guard deployment have on crime rates in LA in 2025?

Checked on August 26, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, there is no specific information available about the impact of National Guard deployment on crime rates in Los Angeles in 2025. The sources examined fall into two distinct categories:

National Guard Deployment Context:

  • Multiple sources discuss National Guard deployments in various contexts, including Washington D.C. and other cities [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
  • Trump signed an executive order establishing 'specialized' National Guard units to address crime in cities [3]
  • The National Guard is mobilizing in 19 states amid immigration and crime crackdown efforts [4]

Los Angeles Crime Statistics:

  • Los Angeles experienced significant crime reductions in 2025, including a 9% decrease in murders and a 17% decrease in auto theft [7]
  • National crime trends show a 17% decrease in homicides and a 25% decrease in motor vehicle theft [8]
  • However, none of these crime statistics are attributed to National Guard deployment [7] [8]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several critical gaps in available information:

Lack of Direct Correlation Data:

  • No sources establish a causal relationship between National Guard deployment and LA's crime reduction [7] [8]
  • The timing and scope of any National Guard deployment in Los Angeles remains unclear from the available sources

Alternative Explanations for Crime Reduction:

  • The 17% decrease in motor vehicle theft nationally suggests broader trends beyond military intervention [8]
  • Local policing strategies, economic factors, or other policy changes could explain LA's crime improvements

Political Perspectives:

  • Law enforcement advocates and federal officials would benefit from attributing crime reductions to National Guard deployment, as it validates increased federal intervention in local policing [3] [5]
  • State and local officials might prefer crediting traditional policing methods or local initiatives for crime improvements
  • Civil liberties organizations would likely emphasize concerns about militarization of domestic law enforcement

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains an implicit assumption that National Guard deployment occurred in Los Angeles in 2025 and had a measurable impact on crime rates. This assumption is problematic because:

Unverified Premise:

  • None of the analyzed sources confirm that National Guard deployment actually occurred in Los Angeles specifically [1] [2] [3] [7] [8] [9] [4] [5] [6]
  • The question presupposes a cause-and-effect relationship that cannot be substantiated from available data

Correlation vs. Causation:

  • While LA did experience crime reductions in 2025 [7], attributing these improvements to National Guard deployment without evidence represents a logical fallacy
  • The 9% decrease in murders and 17% decrease in auto theft could result from numerous factors unrelated to military intervention [7]

Missing Critical Information:

  • No timeline data showing when deployment occurred relative to crime changes
  • No comparative analysis with similar cities that did not receive National Guard support
  • No official statements from Los Angeles authorities confirming the deployment's effectiveness
Want to dive deeper?
What was the specific mandate of the National Guard during their deployment in LA in 2025?
How did the National Guard deployment in LA compare to other major US city deployments in terms of crime reduction?
What were the community reactions to the National Guard presence in LA, and did it affect trust in law enforcement?
Can the decrease in crime rates during the National Guard deployment be attributed to their presence, or were there other contributing factors?
How did the cost of deploying the National Guard in LA in 2025 compare to the cost of other law enforcement strategies?