Civil Unrest in the U.S.: 700 Marines Deployed in Los Angeles
pared-down Perspectives on Protests, Chaos, and Mobilized Troops in Los Angeles
Soldiers patrolling LA, but not on the streets yet
On June 11, NBC News revealed that over 700 marines have been mobilized in Los Angeles, though they haven't been deployed onto city streets as of yet. According to a U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson, some troops might take to the streets today, but orders have not been given as of this report. The soldiers are in training for standard use-of-force protocols.
Department of Homeland Security limelight
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted a drone video on social media, depicting alleged protester violence in Los Angeles. Slamming "mob violence," the department suggested that politicians should intervene. The video shows an individual destroying a car in the streets, accompanied by black smoke and crowds of protesters filling the city.
Mayor Bass downplays chaos
LA Mayor Karen Bass stated that portraying the city as chaotic does not align with reality. She reported no looting or vandalism on Tuesday evening. Bass emphasized that deploying the National Guard onto city streets "is completely unnecessary," praising the city's response to the unrest and assurance of continued successful management.
California Governor's stance
California Governor Gavin Newsom noted that most protesters were acting peacefully, criticizing President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops as an "abuse of power."
Curfew in LA
A curfew was implemented in downtown Los Angeles from Tuesday evening, with the city's mayor warning against acts of vandalism. Bass explained that although mass protests have been ongoing since June 6 in California over immigration policy, the actions of the few should not be attributed to the intentions of pro-immigrant demonstrators.
Insights
The deployment of U.S. military personnel during protests, such as those against deportations, is subject to various laws and regulations, including the Posse Comitatus Act, Insurrection Act, and current deployment guidelines in Los Angeles. Under the Posse Comitatus Act, military personnel usually cannot be involved in law enforcement; however, exceptions can be made in specific congressional authorizations or under the Insurrection Act. In the current LA deployment, military personnel are neither performing law enforcement duties nor detaining individuals but primarily supporting federal property protection and personnel. Legal challenges persist concerning the legitimacy of these military deployments.
- With the Department of Homeland Security highlighting alleged protester violence in Los Angeles, political debates over the necessity of intervening in city affairs are now part of the general-news discourse.
- Despite the mobilization of over 700 marines in Los Angeles, as reported by NBC News, no soldiers have been deployed onto city streets for crime-and-justice purposes, as of the latest updates.
