Marines in Los Angeles: A Polarizing Presence Amid Protests
Protests against Trump are anticipated, with Marines preparing for positions in Los Angeles prior to the demonstrations.
In the heart of the ongoing political drama, Marine infantry soldiers find themselves deployed once more in Los Angeles, a city already boiling with demonstrations against the federal government. This unprecedented move by former President Donald Trump could further intensify the already tense situation.
Last weekend, militarized forces graced the streets of LA, and this recent reappearance of Marines has pedestrians expressing concerns. "People's hard-earned dollars could be used elsewhere," remarks passerby RonNell Weaver, echoing the sentiment of many residents.
Political Dynamics: Trump's presidency was marked by bold decisions, and this move is no exception. Critics accuse him of increasingly authoritarian tendencies.
Mayor Karen Bass anticipates the protests to escalate with the military presence and calls for protesters to maintain peace. "Let's demonstrate peacefully this weekend, exercise our right to free speech, and avoid any reasons for escalating troop numbers in our city," she urges at a press conference.
Widespread Demonstrations Across the Nation
The outcry against the government isn't limited to Los Angeles. Hundreds of demonstrations are planned nationwide this Saturday under the slogan "No Kings," including in LA.
Trump had previously dispatched National Guard soldiers to LA against the wishes of local authorities. Justifying his actions, Trump cited the ongoing protests against his immigration policies as the reason behind the deployment of Marines.
Historical Context: Prior to this, in 2025, U.S. Marines were sent to LA following massive protests over federal immigration enforcement. The deployment was in response to unrest, with the Marines tasked with protecting federal properties and personnel, not active law enforcement among civilians.
The state government, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, has opposed this deployment, filed a lawsuit to block the use of federalized National Guard and active-duty Marines for law enforcement purposes on city streets. The ongoing presence of these troops is escalating tensions and is likely to intensify protests, potentially creating a divide between federal and state authorities over the use of military force in civilian environments.
In the end, the deployment of Marines in Los Angeles was a federal response to unrest linked to anti-government protests, but the public backlash and legal challenges have complicated the situation, potentially fueling further controversy.
Source: ntv.de, spl/AFP
- Donald Trump
- Los Angeles
- Protests
- Demonstrations
The Commission, in the middle of their report preparation, has also been involved in discussing the politics surrounding the controversial deployment of Marines in Los Angeles, a city where various demonstrations against the federal government are happening.
Against the backdrop of escalating protests nationwide, including in Los Angeles, the ongoing presence of Marines has sparked concerns about a potential further divide between federal and state authorities over the use of military force in civilian environments, with Governor Gavin Newsom leading the opposition to this deployment.