Approximately 700 marines will be temporarily deployed to Los Angeles by the US military until additional National Guard troops arrive. This move represents another escalation in President Donald Trump’s response to the street protests triggered by his stringent immigration policies.
The US Northern Command has announced that a battalion will be dispatched to help safeguard federal property and personnel until more National Guard troops can arrive on-site.
Currently, the Trump administration is refraining from invoking the Insurrection Act, which would permit troops to engage directly in civilian law enforcement, according to a US official who requested anonymity.
Tensions have been mounting since President Trump activated the National Guard on Saturday, an action that Democrats have condemned as an unnecessary provocation, following protests against immigration raids in Southern California.
National Guard soldiers stand outside the Edward R Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles.
President Trump expressed that he felt compelled to order the deployment to prevent potential violence from escalating.
He backed a suggestion from his border czar that California Governor Gavin Newsom should be arrested, following the Governor’s announcement that California intends to block the deployment of the National Guard through legal action.
The Trump administration has argued that the previous administration under Joe Biden allowed too many immigrants into the country and that cities like Los Angeles, run by Democrats, are improperly obstructing deportation efforts.
Watch: Confrontations between police and protesters in LA
Street demonstrations have persisted daily since Friday, when activists clashed with sheriff’s deputies.
Today, hundreds of protesters gathered outside a downtown detention center where immigrants are held, as well as at another location.
Amid a significant law enforcement presence, demonstrators carried signs denouncing the Trump administration while a band played Mexican music.
Additional protests are scheduled in over a dozen cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco.
The key issue remains whether military force, whether it be the National Guard or marines, is warranted, as many leading Republicans assert, or if it constitutes an abuse of presidential authority, as Democrats argue.
Protesters vandalize a self-driving Waymo taxi during the demonstrations.
A protester is apprehended as journalists capture the moment.
Historically, marines have been deployed within the country during significant disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 attacks.
While they are known for being “first in, last out” in military missions overseas, it is exceedingly rare for US military personnel to be utilized for domestic law enforcement.
President Trump has the authority to deploy marines under specific legal conditions or as commander in chief.
Without invoking the Insurrection Act, like the National Guard, marines would still be legally prohibited from directly enforcing civilian laws and would likely be limited to safeguarding federal personnel and property.
The last instance in which military forces conducted direct policing under the Insurrection Act occurred in 1992, when the California governor requested assistance from former President George H.W. Bush during the Los Angeles riots following the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Black motorist Rodney King.
“I have formally requested the Trump Administration to rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles County and return them to my command. We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while…” Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) tweeted.
Even in a support role, deploying marines in a policing context is certainly expected to ignite further objections from Democrats, who have accused President Trump of unnecessarily escalating tensions in Los Angeles.
“The level of escalation is completely unwarranted, uncalled for, and unprecedented,” stated Mr. Newsom’s press office on X.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that his office has filed suit. Reuters has not yet confirmed the lawsuit’s details.
Federal law permits the president to deploy the National Guard in cases of invasion, “rebellion or danger of rebellion,” or if he is “unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”
California’s lawsuit alleges that Mr. Trump has overstepped his authority under this statute, seeking a court declaration that his actions are unlawful.
Police officers aim at protesters throwing rocks at them under an overpass on the 101 freeway.
Upon returning to the White House after a night at Camp David, President Trump was asked by a reporter whether his border czar, Tom Homan, should arrest Mr. Newsom.
Mr. Homan has threatened to arrest anyone obstructing immigration enforcement, including the governor.
“I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great,” President Trump responded. “Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing,” he added.
The White House and congressional Republicans suggested the protests serve as further justification for passing President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which aims to enhance border security and military funding.
Several cars were damaged in north Los Angeles.
The bill, currently in the US Senate after passing the House of Representatives, also proposes tax reductions, cuts to Medicaid benefits, and the elimination of green-energy initiatives.
“We need the One Big, Beautiful Bill to pass ASAP!” wrote White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on X.
US Northern Command reported that 300 members of the California National Guard have been deployed to three locations in the Los Angeles area.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that the Guard’s mission is to protect federal buildings.
Earlier, law enforcement officers were stationed at intersections surrounding the Edward R Roybal Federal Building, which houses a detention facility for many immigrants apprehended following ICE operations in Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Some National Guard troops monitored the vehicle entrance to the detention center.
Anti-ICE graffiti adorned the federal building’s walls and windows, with crews working to cover the slogans with paint.
Hundreds of protesters gathered near Los Angeles City Hall for a rally supporting detained union leader David Huerta.
The demonstrators waved placards demanding Mr. Huerta’s release, chanting in Spanish, “we are all David Huerta.”
President Trump has committed to deporting record numbers of individuals in the country illegally and to enforcing strict measures at the US-Mexico border, setting the ICE agency a goal of arresting at least 3,000 migrants daily.
For Democrats, who have struggled for direction since President Trump’s election in November, the Los Angeles protests have become a rallying point, allowing them to gather political momentum while challenging the administration’s policies.
