Ex-Detroit Chief James Craig, a Mayoral Candidate, Backs Trump's Use of Soldiers in Los Angeles

James Craig in Jackson in July 2021 (File photo)

Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, a Republican running for mayor, supports President Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard in Los Angeles to help quell protests against immigration raids, BridgeDetroit reports.

Craig, a former Los Angeles Police Department official, said in a statement Sunday, according to Bridge:

“The scenes unfolding in Los Angeles underscore what happens when leadership is weak and hesitant. A mayor and governor’s primary duty is to protect their citizens and ensure the stability of their communities. Detroiters deserve a mayor who has a proven track record of doing just that.”

"Even if the federal government acts without the governor, I’d ensure any deployment of the National Guard in Detroit is coordinated with local law enforcement to prevent confusion and protect civil liberties."

“Ideally, deployment should happen in coordination with the governor,” Craig said in an email to Bridge. “But if the situation becomes a national security issue or local government abdicates responsibility, a federal response may be necessary. That’s not escalation – it’s preservation of law and order.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has angrily criticized Trump for deploying Guardsmen and Marines to Los Angeles without first consulting him. He said police are capable of handling the challenges.

“This isn’t about public safety,” the governor said on X. “It’s about stroking a dangerous President’s ego.”

The mayoral primary on Aug. 5 is nonpartisan. But Craig, at times during the campaign, has tried to convey that he has a connection to Trump, which he suggests would benefit Detroiters.

It's unclear if Craig's support for sending troops to Los Angeles will become an issue in the mayoral campaign, which has been relatively low key so far.

In recent polls, Craig has come in third among the nine candidates in the Aug. 5 primary. The top two candidates face off in November. City Council President Mary Sheffield has come in first followed by Rev Solomon Kinloch Jr.