House Democrats are seeking clarification from the Department of Defense regarding the detention of a civilian by Marines at a federal building in Los Angeles, an incident that has raised significant legal and ethical concerns. This event, occurring last Friday, marks the first known detention of its kind since President Donald Trump deployed troops to California earlier this month due to escalating tensions stemming from protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
A letter addressed to Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of the U.S. Northern Command, was obtained by NOTUS, revealing that 34 Democrats—including nearly two dozen representatives from California—are questioning the legality of the Marines’ actions. They expressed deep concerns about potential violations of federal laws that limit military authority within the United States, specifically the Posse Comitatus Act.
Reps. Ted Lieu and Gil Cisneros, both veterans and advocates for transparency, are spearheading the request for further details about the circumstances surrounding the civilian’s detention. Cisneros articulated his concerns, stating he is “disturbed by the flagrant misuse of our nation’s troops.”
In his statement to NOTUS, Cisneros accused the Trump administration of using military service members as instruments of a misleading narrative and expressed fears that this tactic fosters unrest and animosity within communities. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among Democrats who argue that the deployment of troops is politically motivated, undermining the military’s integrity.
Lieu, a former military prosecutor, joined Cisneros in condemning the Marines’ actions, characterizing the incident as a “disturbing escalation” of military engagement in civilian affairs. He emphasized the laws governing military conduct in domestic situations, stating, “The stories detailing that Marines temporarily detained a U.S. citizen in Los Angeles would represent a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act.”
The Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits the military from engaging in domestic law enforcement unless explicitly authorized by law or the president under certain conditions, such as invoking the Insurrection Act. Lieu’s remarks underscore the gravity of the situation, asserting that the use of troops against American citizens without proper legal justification is inappropriate.
While the U.S. Northern Command did not provide a comment in response to NOTUS’s inquiry, a spokesperson did offer a statement to Reuters indicating that active duty military personnel may detain individuals under specific circumstances. However, they clarified that any such detention must be brief and that the individual should be transferred immediately to civilian law enforcement custody.
This explanation has raised additional questions among the signatory Democrats regarding the scope of military operations while stationed on U.S. soil. They seek clarification about the parameters surrounding the Marines’ orders and the scenarios that could justify military involvement in law enforcement activities.
Furthermore, the letter inquires whether any military personnel were directed to contravene the Posse Comitatus Act and to assist in law enforcement beyond safeguarding federal personnel and property. The Democrats demand accountability, wanting to know who issued these orders should they exist.
The appropriateness of deploying troops to handle protests has sparked debate, particularly since President Trump made the decision unilaterally, circumventing state officials for the first time since the Civil Rights Movement. California Governor Gavin Newsom responded by filing a lawsuit in federal court, arguing that the president overstepped his constitutional authority.
The Trump administration contends that deploying federal troops did not infringe on laws because Trump invoked a presidential “protective power” to safeguard federal government assets and operations.
In their letter, the Democrats expressed a unified stance on the imperative to protect constitutional values. They reminded the military commanders that both they and the service members have taken an oath to defend the Constitution, condemning the perceived politicization of the military as harmful and disgraceful.
They stated, “The use of our military service members, who have sacrificed so much to defend our country, as pawns in a political stunt is sickening and disrespectful.” This admission resonates with broader concerns regarding the implications of military involvement in domestic civilian matters amid a polarized political climate.
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