US Marines Deployed to Los Angeles Amid Immigration Protests
In a rare move, US Marines were dispatched to Los Angeles on Friday to safeguard federal property amid escalating immigration-related protests. About 200 Marines have been assigned to protect a federal building downtown, with an additional 500 Marines authorized to deploy within the city, according to Army Major General Scott Sherman.
Legal Backing for Military Presence
This deployment follows a recent court ruling supporting President Donald Trump’s effort to maintain National Guard troops in Los Angeles. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily overturned a lower court’s decision that blocked the troop mobilization. While this does not guarantee a final legal victory, it allows the administration’s forces to remain active for the time being.
Major General Sherman emphasized that military personnel will not engage in law enforcement activities, clarifying that their role is limited to protection rather than arrests or detentions. So far, neither Marines nor National Guard soldiers in the city have detained anyone.
Historical Context and Current Climate
Deploying active duty troops for domestic purposes is highly uncommon. The last significant use of the military under the Insurrection Act in California dates back to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, when forces were called in response to civil unrest following the Rodney King verdict.
Since January, Los Angeles has witnessed growing unrest due to federal immigration raids targeting undocumented immigrants, prompting protests and counter-demonstrations nationwide.
City Officials and Public Response
Local leaders have voiced strong opposition to the increased federal enforcement. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew over a portion of downtown, stating, “Peace begins with ICE leaving Los Angeles.” Despite tensions, protests in the city remain mostly peaceful, with occasional incidents confined to limited areas.
Similarly, other major cities such as New York and Chicago have also experienced demonstrations and sporadic disturbances related to immigration enforcement. Notably, a private immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, saw unrest culminating in four detainees escaping amid complaints about facility conditions.
Polarized Opinions and Political Reactions
President Trump has framed these actions as a fulfillment of campaign promises to enforce immigration laws aggressively. The move has sharply divided public opinion and politicians alike. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the military deployment as an authoritarian overreach.
A recent national poll revealed that nearly half of Americans support deploying the military to restore order during violent protests, but a significant portion oppose such measures.
Looking Ahead
As demonstrations continue throughout the country, Los Angeles remains a focal point where federal troops maintain a visible presence. The outcome of ongoing legal challenges and public response will shape how the federal government balances security concerns with civil liberties in the weeks ahead.
