In a controversial move, President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, a decision that has been met with strong criticism from Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss. The Marines, drawn from Twentynine Palms, a desert training base, are trained for military operations rather than domestic policing.
Congressman Auchincloss, who once commanded infantry at Twentynine Palms, outlines his concerns in a recent op-ed published in the Washington Post. He argues that sending infantry Marines—specifically from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines—into a city like Los Angeles is unnecessary and illegal. Notably, these Marines have spent years training for combat operations against foreign adversaries, not for crowd control or urban policing, which is the responsibility of local law enforcement.
“These Marines have not trained in crowd control or urban policing,” Auchincloss states. “That’s what the LAPD is for, and they’re well-resourced and equipped to do it.”
The Congressman explains that the deployment is not just a misallocation of military resources but also an unfair burden placed upon the Marines themselves. He highlights that many of these personnel are young and have been specifically conditioned for military combat scenarios that do not align with urban policing objectives. “These sergeants and corporals are ultimately going to have to grapple with the tactics of urban policing,” Auchincloss argues, indicating the logistical and ethical dilemmas that lie ahead.
Reflecting on the training provided at Twentynine Palms, Auchincloss paints a vivid image of the Marines’ focus on combat readiness. They have trained in methods applicable in war settings, such as clearing buildings in hostile environments, where collateral damage is sometimes expected. This training, he suggests, does not prepare them to manage peaceful protests or de-escalate confrontational situations with civilians.
“Property damage is collateral damage. The population that is there is treated in accord with the Law of Armed Conflict, but not the Bill of Rights,” he explains. “It’s about seizing and owning a city as a battlefield, not as a place for people to peacefully protest.”
With only four days of crash course training to adjust from combat to policing, Auchincloss is skeptical about the Marines’ preparedness. He emphasizes that they are trained to confront enemies directly, contrasting this with the de-escalation tactics required in policing environments. “Marines are not trained to de-escalate scenarios with citizens,” he says, highlighting that their foundational training models a military ethos that clashes with civilian law enforcement principles.
Responding to why President Trump chose this infantry battalion over military police for the deployment, Auchincloss expresses skepticism about the decision-making process. “I’m not even sure he could answer,” he states, referring to the President’s comprehension of the operational logistics involved.
Auchincloss criticizes President Trump for using the military as a means to bolster his popularity, particularly amid concerns regarding his administration’s management of issues like economic volatility and public protests. He believes Trump aimed to shift public attention by engaging the military in political matters.
“This is an example of a politician trying to use the military to boost sagging approval ratings. It is not an example of a president trying to support law enforcement,” Auchincloss contends.
Discussing the legal implications of the deployment, Auchincloss references the Posse Comitatus Act, a principle that dates back to the Magna Carta and was established as law in the U.S. in the late 19th century. The Act generally prohibits the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement without clear and specific exceptions.
He notes that while there are provisions under the Insurrection Act, these laws lack clarity, leading to interpretations that could permit misuse of military authority. According to Auchincloss, legitimate exceptions are very limited, applying primarily to scenarios of true insurrection or systematic violations of constitutional rights.
Auchincloss argues that the current situation in Los Angeles does not meet these criteria. He points out that local leaders, including the mayor and police chief, have stated they are fully capable of managing the protests and unrest without federal military assistance. “A few scattered protests in Los Angeles, where the local authorities are saying they can handle it themselves, is not even close to a scenario envisioned under Posse Comitatus,” he explains.
The Congressman mentions a recent legal ruling involving the deployment, where a district court judge sided with arguments against the president’s order, emphasizing that disputes about authority should favor states over federal power under the 10th Amendment.
As he draws on his own experiences as a young Marine, Auchincloss highlights the internal conflict faced by troops in these situations. He acknowledges the pride Marines take in their capabilities and the disillusionment that arises when they are placed in roles contrary to their training and ethos.
He states, “What the president is doing here is really undercutting that esprit de corps, because he’s taking these Marines who think of themselves as war fighters and putting them in a scenario where they are being put in opposition to fellow citizens.”
In conclusion, Auchincloss emphasizes the emotional and moral impact this deployment will have on young Marines who enlisted to serve their country proudly. He expresses concern that the current administration’s actions will not only harm the military’s reputation but also diminish public trust in its integrity.
“It’s such a mean-spirited thing to do to these kids—these kids who enlisted in the Marines because they want to be proud of their service to the country,” he concludes, reiterating his strong opposition to the deployment of Marines in this capacity.
image source from：https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2025-06-17/rep-auchincloss-warns-marines-are-trained-for-war-not-policing-u-s-cities
