Goleta residents witnessed an unexpected sight on Sunday as several large vehicles belonging to the National Guard were temporarily stationed near the Home Depot in the Camino Real Marketplace.
According to reports from community members and social media posts by the 805 Immigrant Coalition, the National Guard convoy was believed to be en route to Los Angeles amidst ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The coalition, which represents a network of immigration advocacy organizations across the Central Coast, noted that the vehicles had left the area shortly after their stop. The increased presence of the National Guard has sparked concerns about its involvement in ICE operations, bringing attention to recent tensions surrounding immigration enforcement activities.
Concerns Over the Role of the National Guard
The Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits the National Guard from engaging in civilian law enforcement. However, documents obtained by NPR revealed that the Department of Homeland Security had proposed the use of National Guard personnel in ICE operations, including “night operations,” “rural interdiction,” and “guard duty and riot control” inside detention facilities…