Civil Unrest in Los Angeles: Approximately 700 Marines to Be Deployed
Breaking: Marines Head to LA Amid Immigration Protests
The US Department of Defense is sending approximately 700 Marines to Los Angeles this Monday to back up National Guard troops. These troops will join their ranks following the recent protests against the detention of immigrants[1].
As per reports from the Associated Press, three high-ranking officials have confirmed this decision. The Marines are expected to depart from the base in Twentynine Palms, located in the California desert, and head towards the bustling city.
CNN was the first to report this development, highlighting a contingent of 700 troops. However, some media outlets suggest a smaller force might be deployed[1].
The US is also mobilizing 500 troops, according to an AFP source, citing "increased threats against federal authorities and federal buildings." These forces are tasked with protective duties[1].
Political Power Play
The move to repress isolated protests in Los Angeles, following the crackdown on illegal immigration, has been met with controversy. President Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard soldiers, despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democratic figurehead[1][2]. Some troops were sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) installations in Los Angeles earlier this weekend[1].
This is the first time in six decades that a US President has mobilized a state's National Guard without consent from the respective governor[1]. Governor Newsom has labeled the decision "un-American" and a demonstration of Trump's "dictatorial instincts"[1].
Despite the lack of official confirmation from the White House, Trump did not dismiss the possibility of deploying Marines to the city when questioned previously[1].
Power Struggle Erupts
In recent days, Trump has intensified his attacks on Newsom, perceiving him as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential elections. Los Angeles has witnessed confrontations between police authorities and protesters voicing opposition to the government’s immigration policy[1][2].
California's Attorney General and Governor Newsom announced a lawsuit against Trump, aiming to void the President's action that "federalizes" the California National Guard[1]. State authorities have also requested a temporary restraining order to halt the deployment, stating that their action will be filed today[1].
Newsom has accused the Trump administration of creating a "spectacle” and instigating "chaos" with ICE detentions in California since Friday[1]. Addressing Donald Trump's chief immigration advisor, Tom Homan, Newsom called for Homan to arrest him for defying federal law enforcement[1].
When asked about this during his White House visit, Trump responded, "I would do that if I were Tom [Homan]" and added, "he did a terrible job"[1].
Immediately afterward, Newsom took to Twitter, condemning the President’s statement as "crossing a line as a nation" and a potential stride towards "authoritarianism."[1]
Lusa contributed to this report
[1] - CNN Report
[2] - AP Report
[3] - AFP Report
[4] - Military Times
[5] - The Hill Report
- The deployment of Marines to Los Angeles, amidst the ongoing immigration protests and the escalating conflict between President Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom, is a significant political move that could impact war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and general news.
- As the US President escalates hiscrackdown on illegal immigration and confrontations with governors, the general public and media remain attentive to the developments in politics, specifically the power struggle between Trump and his Democratic opponents, which has the potential to influence war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and general news.
