July 7, 2025 - Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week that "Task Force Rattlesnake," a specialized unit of over 300 National Guard members trained to assist the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), is now operating at only 40% of its normal strength. This leaves just six crews available for statewide fire prevention and emergency response, a reduction from nine crews the previous week.
The deployment was initiated under an order from President Donald Trump, who federalized the Guard troops under Title 10 authority. This presidential power allows for the activation of the National Guard for federal service during specific emergencies. The stated purpose of the Los Angeles deployment, which began on June 7, is to "temporarily protect [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and other United States Government personnel who are performing Federal functions."
Governor Newsom has strongly opposed the move, labeling the presidential order an "illegal" infringement on state authority and demanding its reversal.
“With peak fire season well underway across California, we need all available resources to protect communities,” Newsom stated.
According to California Military Department spokesperson Carl Trujillo, once troops are federalized under Title 10, they operate under federal command and cannot be reassigned by the state. "They won’t be able to return to their firefighting duties until they’re released from that federal status," Trujillo confirmed.
In a concurrent development, Governor Newsom's office announced the availability of $135 million in state grants for local projects aimed at protecting communities from catastrophic wildfires. The funds, accessible through CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program, will support hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and public education initiatives.