Washington — A significant military presence has descended upon the Los Angeles area, as approximately 700 active-duty Marines have arrived to assist the California National Guard in responding to ongoing protests related to federal immigration enforcement.
This deployment adds to the 2,100 California National Guard troops already on the ground in the greater Los Angeles region, which includes cities like Paramount and Compton.
A defense official emphasized the financial implications of these deployments, estimating the cost to be around $134 million as both the National Guard and Marines operate in the area.
In response to this military presence, California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken legal action, seeking a temporary restraining order from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Attorney General Rob Bonta’s 28-page filing argues that the troops should not be used for law enforcement purposes in civilian areas, stating that federal troops have already caused significant harm to the community and must be stopped.
The filing clarifies that the state does not aim to prevent federal forces from protecting federal buildings or personnel, but seeks to restrict the use of the military in immigration enforcement to prevent further damage to community relations and the rule of law.
The U.S. Northern Command has confirmed that the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, stationed at Twentynine Palms, California, has been activated for this deployment.
Military officials assured that the Marines would work alongside National Guard members to ensure the safety of federal personnel and property.
Trained in crowd control, de-escalation tactics, and the rules of engagement, these Marines are poised to support law enforcement efforts.
Despite their military training, officials have stated that the Marines do not hold arrest authority and are present solely to protect federal interests.
Under federal law, active-duty military personnel are generally restricted from domestic law enforcement roles unless extraordinary measures like the Insurrection Act are invoked by the President.
President Donald Trump has not taken this step thus far but indicated that he would consider it if an insurrection were observed.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth noted the necessity of deploying Marines to ensure the safety of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as they carry out their duties against a backdrop of protests.
Governor Newsom criticized the deployment, labeling it illegal and an abuse of power.
He expressed his views on social media, stating, “U.S. Marines serve a valuable purpose for this country — defending democracy. They are not political pawns. The Secretary of Defense is illegally deploying them onto American streets so Trump can have a talking point at his parade this weekend.”
He further emphasized that the time has come for legal action and accountability, urging various branches of government to address the situation.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDowell acknowledged the long history his department has in managing large-scale demonstrations and expressed concern over the arrival of federal troops without clear coordination.
This situation poses logistical challenges for local law enforcement, as a unified approach is essential to ensuring public safety and minimizing escalation during the heightened tensions.
The military has also mobilized an additional 2,000 members of the California National Guard to bolster their response amid these protests.
President Donald Trump previously ordered National Guard troops to Los Angeles over the weekend in anticipation of escalating protests regarding ICE arrests.
Defending his administration’s stance, Trump has accused local leaders of ineffectiveness in maintaining order during ongoing demonstrations.
Governor Newsom has countered that the unrest was manageable until the federal government intervened, suggesting that local and state agencies were equipped to handle the situation without additional military oversight.
As this legal battle unfolds, it underscores the contentious relationship between state and federal authorities amid growing concerns over public safety, immigration enforcement, and the role of the military in domestic affairs.
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