US Marines Make First Civilian Detention in Los Angeles Protests
In a rare move reflecting the tense climate surrounding immigration protests, US Marines deployed in Los Angeles have detained their first civilian. The incident took place outside the Wilshire Federal Building, where troops were stationed to guard federal property amid ongoing demonstrations triggered by immigration raids.
Details of the Detention
The individual was detained on Friday when he crossed a restricted zone marked by yellow tape. Marines restrained him using zip ties before handing him over to agents from the Department of Homeland Security. This marks the first known instance of active-duty Marines detaining a civilian during these protests.
Official Military Position
A spokesperson for the US Northern Command clarified that active-duty forces may temporarily detain individuals under very specific conditions. Such detentions end as soon as custody can be transferred to civilian law enforcement. This protocol aligns with existing military policies aimed at limiting direct military involvement in civilian affairs.
The Detained Individual’s Perspective
The man taken into custody identified himself as Marcos Leao, 27, an Army veteran of Angolan and Portuguese descent who attained US citizenship through military service. Leao was reportedly on his way to a Department of Veterans Affairs office when he inadvertently crossed the tape boundary. He described his treatment by the Marines as fair and noted, "They’re just doing their job."
Scope of Military Involvement in Civil Unrest
Currently, around 200 Marines and over 2,000 National Guard members are deployed in Los Angeles, tasked with protection of federal properties and personnel. These numbers are expected to rise, with an additional 500 Marines and 2,000 National Guardsmen slated to join the effort.
While the military can temporarily detain individuals who pose a threat to peace, they are not authorized to perform arrests — a role reserved for civilian law enforcement. This distinction is mandated by the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits the military, including the National Guard, from engaging in civilian policing activities.
Legal Boundaries and Public Reaction
The involvement of active-duty troops on domestic soil remains a contentious issue. The use of military forces to manage civil unrest raises questions about appropriate limits and safeguards, especially concerning the rights of protesters and the enforcement of federal laws.
As these protests continue to unfold, the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting civil liberties will remain under scrutiny.
