Hegseth was angered by his exclusion and resigned from the Guard. That experience remains with him as he attempts to reshape the military, and its role in society, in line with Trump's worldview. As he has written: “My trust for this Army is irrevocably broken.”

President Donald Trump has built his presidency around stretching the bounds of presidential authority, and his response to protests over an immigration crackdown in Los Angeles is no exception.

Monday's protests were largely calmer than Sunday's clashes. California officials insist that the 4,000 National Guards troops and 700 active duty Marines en route to L.A. are an unnecessary abuse of power by Trump.

President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Fort Bragg, the nation's largest military installation.

As the president increases the military presence in their city, many protesters feel it is a crucial time to speak out. Here are some of their stories.

President Trump ordered National Guard troops to the area following clashes over immigration enforcement operations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday defended the administration's mobilization of the National Guard and members of the Marine Corps to Los Angeles amid ongoing immigration protests.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended President Trump deploying National Guard to L.A., stating Gavin Newsom is "choos[ing] rioters and criminal illegals" over American law enforcement.