Latest: Trump Amps Up Troop Deployment, Sends Marines to L.A. Amidst Immigration Protests
Trump Deploys Hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles
Are the streets of L.A. becoming a battleground? With protests raging against the rigorous immigration policies of U.S. immigration authorities in California, President Trump makes a big move. Instead of diplomatic solutions, he orders over 4,000 National Guard soldiers and puts 700 active-duty Marines on high alert.
The tension between Trump and Los Angeles authorities is at an all-time high, and the pieces are falling into place to escalate the conflict further. The White House has announced the dispatch of 2,000 additional National Guard soldiers to California's crowded metropolis to support federal agencies such as ICE and Border Patrol, aiming to enhance their capabilities in law enforcement.
Though initially planned to send 500 active-duty Marines, the number was later bolstered to 700. Camp Pendleton's troops will be deployed to the second-largest city in the United States to provide protection for federal officers and buildings under threat.
Insider Source: Navidi on Protests in L.A., "Trump Needs Military to Transform Society"
Sources from within the U.S. military confirm the deployment of approximately 700 Marines to Los Angeles. Their arrival is to ensure the presence of a sufficient force after the sometimes violent protests of the weekend, it has been announced. The Marines will seamlessly integrate with the National Guard's deployment forces.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California denounces the move as insane. He criticism is based on the belief that U.S. Marines, who have valiantly defended democracy during several wars, should not be deployed on American soil to face their fellow citizens, enacting Trump's "dictatorial" fantasies.
Essential Background: The Escalation of Protests
The historic center of L.A. was shaken on Sunday as demonstrators took control of the streets, igniting car fires, and looting stores. These protests against the actions of ICE in the L.A. region have escalated, leading to the deployment of the National Guard and active-duty Marines.
Soldiers are not trained to control protests, but rather for military operations and warfare. Despite this, Trump mobilized around 2,000 National Guard soldiers—against California Governor Gavin Newsom's will—on the weekend.
Taking Control: The National Guard and Trump's Unprecedented Move
Since 1965, no U.S. president has taken control of a state's National Guard against its declared will. Conventional procedure dictates that states manage the National Guard in normal circumstances. The president only takes command during war or national emergencies. Trump's deployment against Governor Newsom's resistance, however, is an atypical manifestation of government power.
A Legal Matter: California vs. Trump
On Monday, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against Trump, the Department of Defense, and Secretary Pete Hegseth. They accuse the federal government of illegally seizing control of the California National Guard without the state's consent. Newsom made his opposition to the deployment clear, requesting the withdrawal of troops through a letter. This request, however, was disregarded, according to Bonta. California's officials allege that Trump is abusing power.
Los Angeles Mayor Bass has expressed similar views. "I don't think the National Guard is needed now," she told CNN. The city is currently calm, with only occasional graffiti affecting the central streets. Unlike Newsom, Bass has not sued the president, but she does fear Trump's potential use of the Insurrection Act to impose martial law.
Clash of Politics
The initial protests in Los Angeles occurred in response to increased ICE operations, resulting in dozens of arrests, including minors. Critics argue that the federal government is instilling fear among the citizens by employing intimidating measures. The protests target Trump's hardline immigration policy and ICE's deployment in civilian neighborhoods.
In the midst of this standoff, Trump criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom and has expressed thoughts of arresting him. Though Trump has not actually invoked the Insurrection Act, fears linger about its potential use to deploy the regular military domestically and enact martial law.
Sources: ntv.de, Gut/dpa/AFP
- USA
- Donald Trump
- Military
- California
- Protests
- Migration
- Immigration
The ongoing conflicts and protests in Los Angeles, centered around immigration policies, have led President Trump to escalate the situation further. In addition to dispatching thousands of National Guard soldiers, the White House has announced the deployment of approximately 7,000 employment policies, or active-duty military personnel, to the city.
These military personnel, predominantly Marines, will work alongside the National Guard, providing protection for federal officers and buildings under threat. This move has sparked criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who views the deployment of US Marines on American soil as an unnecessary escalation of the conflict.
