In light of ongoing protests, U.S. officials have confirmed that Marines and National Guard personnel deployed to Los Angeles will adhere to strict rules of engagement.
These troops will focus solely on protecting federal buildings and personnel, avoiding direct engagement with demonstrators unless absolutely necessary.
Although they will carry weapons, their firearms will not have ammunition loaded in the chamber, and they will only have ammunition as part of their regular uniforms for self-defense in rare instances.
The deployment rules further specify that the troops will not use rubber bullets or pepper spray.
Changes to these engagement rules would occur only if President Donald Trump invokes the Insurrection Act, which has not yet happened.
The overarching strategy calls for soldiers to actively de-escalate any potential conflicts rather than engage aggressively.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell expressed concerns regarding the coordination challenges brought by the federal military presence, emphasizing the need for clear communication among all agencies involved.
He stated, “The arrival of federal military forces in Los Angeles — absent clear coordination — presents a significant logistical and operational challenge for those of us charged with safeguarding this city.”
McDonnell continued, emphasizing the LAPD’s extensive experience in managing large-scale demonstrations and the importance of ensuring public and officer safety.
He urged for open and continuous communication to prevent confusion and avoid escalation during this critical period.
Air Force Retired Brig. Gen. Thomas Edmonds commented on the ambiguous nature of the mission for the National Guard troops, questioning the clarity of engagement protocols.
He noted, “If I were an on-scene commander in my previous life as a [National] Guard officer, I would immediately demand clarification, for my people’s sake.”
While acknowledging that the military’s mission seems defined as non-law enforcement, Edmonds pointed out their association with law enforcement personnel and raised reasonable concerns regarding the potential overlap of responsibilities.
Leading the deployment is Army Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, who serves as deputy commander of U.S. Army North.
The deployment involves 4,800 troops operating under Title 10 status, which includes 4,100 National Guard soldiers and 700 active-duty Marines.
This section of the U.S. Code allows the president to mobilize federal service members during times of rebellion or unrest that jeopardizes government authority or law enforcement capabilities.
To facilitate continuous coverage in the area, the deployment includes the 700 Marines, collectively known as “Task Force 51.”
Despite concerns, officials reaffirm the troops’ training in de-escalation, crowd control, and established rules for the use of force to ensure a measured response during the protests.
ABC News’ Alex Stone contributed to this report.
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