In a significant development, the 700 United States Marines deployed to Los Angeles by President Donald Trump are set to withdraw from the city, according to Pentagon officials.
This decision comes on the heels of the recent announcement regarding the withdrawal of half of the nearly 4,000 National Guard soldiers also stationed in LA.
President Trump sent the federal troops to the city in early June amid ongoing protests against federal immigration raids, arguing that their presence was necessary to restore order.
However, these military personnel primarily guarded two federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles and Westwood and did not engage in crowd control.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the Marines’ deployment conveyed a firm message that lawlessness would be met with a strong response.
Locally, the deployment was met with criticism from city officials and law enforcement who deemed it unnecessary and detrimental to community relations.
State Senator Caroline Menjivar, a Marine veteran, expressed her frustration at having fellow Marines deployed to her community.
“It was so personal and infuriating to me to see 700 of my brothers and sisters in the Corps deployed to my backyard,” she stated.
Menjivar emphasized that military personnel had not signed up to intimidate American citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest.
She also highlighted the internal conflict some service members felt about their involvement in federal actions against immigrants, pointing out that many viewed immigrants as members of their own communities or had immigrant family members.
Menjivar eloquently remarked, “We take great pride in being the first in a family of immigrants, proud to fulfill the dreams of our parents who wanted better for us when they came to this country. But that pride can rip when a country turns its back on you.”
The announcement of the Marines’ withdrawal coincided with a press conference held by Menjivar and LA Mayor Karen Bass at LA Mission College, condemning the federal troop presence.
Responding to the decision, Mayor Bass said, “Our voices were heard. [Marines] were never needed for crowd control. They are not trained in crowd control. They’re trained to fight on foreign lands, and hopefully, they will be going back to defend our nation.”
She further expressed concerns that the Marines would not be deployed appropriately elsewhere following their exit from Los Angeles.
The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, including mass ICE raids on undocumented individuals, have created a climate of fear among many residents.
Bass criticized the administration’s actions, stating that the message seemed to imply that success in LA could lead to more severe repercussions elsewhere.
Tom Homan, the border czar, has vowed to increase ICE presence in sanctuary cities, a move he claims is necessary due to the lack of cooperation with Trump’s deportation strategy.
He remarked, “Every sanctuary city is unsafe. Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals, and President Trump’s not going to tolerate it.”
Despite ongoing protests and community resistance, many individuals continue to face deportation in the absence of due process, with reports highlighting that a significant portion of those detained have no criminal record.
The economic ramifications of these federal policies cannot be overlooked.
Mayor Bass noted that the estimated $130 million used to deploy troops could have been allocated to public assistance programs for veterans and other benefits for Los Angeles residents.
This financial strain has contributed to a notable decrease in business activity, as undocumented residents stay home out of fear of being targeted by ICE.
Affected businesses, like the San Fernando Swap Meet, have seen significantly reduced foot traffic compared to normal days.
In a positive turn for Angelenos, a recent temporary restraining order granted by a federal judge has curtailed aggressive ICE immigration sweeps across the county.
The order was sought by a coalition of civil rights and immigrant rights groups, arguing that the raids were unconstitutional due to warrantless stops on individuals perceived to be Latino.
Menjivar expressed optimism, noting, “We’re winning in the courts,” while emphasizing ongoing efforts to pass state laws designed to protect immigrants from unjust arrests.
One proposed legislation aims to require federal immigration authorities to properly identify themselves, in contrast to local law enforcement, while another would restrict ICE access to certain protected areas, such as schools and hospitals.
These protections are especially timely in light of alarming incidents, such as the forcible removal of a patient from a hospital by purported ICE agents.
Menjivar stated, “We’re trying to pass laws and stay within a box when they’re not following the rule of the law, the law of the land.”
The local legislators are recognized for their adaptability in addressing community needs.
In conclusion, the situation in Los Angeles remains fluid as both residents and officials navigate the repercussions of federal immigration policies, while local leaders continue to champion for the rights and protections of immigrant communities.
image source from：sanfernandosun
