Trump Orders Marines to Los Angeles in Additional Deployment as Unrest Subsides

 Washington, June 10, 2025: President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of approximately 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to bolster National Guard operations amid protests triggered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. This follows the federalization of 2,000 California National Guard troops, with an additional 2,000 authorized, bringing the total to over 4,000 troops. The Marines, primarily from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment based at Twentynine Palms, are tasked with protecting federal personnel and property, including ICE agents and federal buildings, but are restricted from direct law enforcement activities under the Posse Comitatus Act unless the Insurrection Act is invoked.

The protests, sparked on June 6, 2025, by ICE operations targeting undocumented immigrants, have calmed significantly by Monday, June 9, with fewer violent incidents compared to the weekend. Despite the de-escalation, the deployment of Marines has heightened tensions, drawing sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who deemed it unnecessary and unlawful. Newsom, alongside Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the federalization of the National Guard violates state sovereignty and the U.S. Constitution, as no rebellion or invasion justifies the action.

Critics, including Senator Jack Reed and retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, have warned against the militarization of domestic unrest, noting that such federal deployments without a governor’s request are rare, last occurring in 1965. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that local law enforcement is equipped to manage the protests without federal troops, citing logistical challenges and risks of further escalation. While Monday’s demonstrations were largely peaceful, the ongoing military presence continues to fuel debate over Trump’s immigration policies and the use of federal forces in response to civil unrest.