Los Angeles Bracing for Military Presence Amid Protests
President Trump plans to send 500 Marines to Los Angeles in an effort to curb ongoing protests.
On June 9, 2025, Yellow Journal News breaks the story on the deployment of 500 Marines to Los Angeles following a series of protests triggered by federal immigration raids.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth justified this heavy-handed approach during an interview with ABC News, stating, "You know, one of our core principles is maintaining peace through strength. We do that on foreign affairs and domestic affairs as well." Hegseth hinted at the possibility of Marines joining the soldiers of the National Guard, who had already been deployed by President Trump following his signing of a memorandum.
Hegseth's memo granted the Secretary of Defense the authority to "employ any members of the Armed Forces as necessary to reinforce, support, and protect federal property in any number he deems appropriate in his discretion." The administration aimed to mobilize at least 2,000 National Guard members for 60 days, but the actual duration was yet to be determined by Hegseth himself.
The deployment of troops had sparked controversy, with California Governor Gavin Newsom expressing criticism and seeking legal intervention. His Attorney General, Rob Bonta, filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, requesting a temporary restraining order to prohibit military forces from being utilized for law enforcement duties on city streets. While the motion focused on keeping these forces off city streets to preserve community harmony and the rule of law, it did not challenge their presence for protecting federal buildings or personnel on federal property.
As the situation unfolds, the court is yet to rule on the restraining order. With the controversy swirling and the estimated cost of the deployment reaching $134 million[1], the people of Los Angeles anxiously await the turning tide.
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[1] "California governor, attorney general sue federal government as 1,400 troops arrive in L.A. amid immigration protests," Los Angeles Times, June 9, 2025.
- The deployment of Marines and National Guard members in Los Angeles, following federal immigration raids, is causing controversy, with California Governor Gavin Newsom expressing criticism and seeking legal intervention.
- The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has stated that the deployment is meant to maintain peace through strength, and he has been granted the authority to employ any members of the Armed Forces as necessary.
- The situation in Los Angeles is being closely monitored, with the court yet to rule on a temporary restraining order requested by California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, to prohibit military forces from being utilized for law enforcement duties on city streets.
- The Los Angeles Times reported that the estimated cost of the deployment could reach $134 million, and the people of Los Angeles anxiously await the turning tide in this complex situation involving immigration, politics, and the rule of law.
