The National Guard has been deployed to Los Angeles in the past in response to civil disorder and natural disasters.

The high-profile Democratic governors of Illinois, Minnesota and New York defended their states' immigration policies in a Republican-led House Oversight Committee on Thursday -- weighing in on the ongoing Los Angeles protests over immigration enforcement.

Los Angeles residents and experts say the National Guard's presence in Los Angeles in response to immigration protests is reminiscent of a long-standing dynamic in the state and around the country.

California governor and federal officials traded blame after ICE raids and a violent protest rocked the L.A.-area city of Paramount.

said the recent move by the White House to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles sets a “dangerous precedent.” “This is not just about LA,” Palo Alto Vice Mayor Vicki Veenker said.

President Donald Trump ordered the deployments over the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom, sparking a national debate about the use of the military on U.S. soil.

“Constitutionally, as a nation, we do not want to use active duty troops, deploy them against American citizens and others residing in our country. Because the impact is so negative. It makes it appear that the United States of America is a battleground,” Barthel said.

Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman said 500 National Guard members have been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations.