Trump Fan the Flames Following L.A. Shooting Incident
Donald Trump announced on June 15, 2025, the sending of around 700 Marines to Los Angeles to support National Guard members already stationed there. The move follows four days of protests against the president's controversial immigration policy, with some instances of violence1.
The Marines would aid in safeguarding federal officials and buildings, according to a US official. Unlike the National Guard, which serves as a reserve force, these Marines belong to an active branch of the US military1. Initially, President Trump sought the help of 2,000 National Guard members on June 12, a call-up that marks the first such action in over half a century. The Pentagon subsequently announced an additional 2,000 National Guard troops for Los Angeles1.
This military deployment signifies a harder stance by the US government on the ongoing protests in the California city, following Trump's previous warning, "If they spit, we hit, and I promise you we will hit harder than ever before"2. Protesters have been protesting arrests by federal immigration enforcement agencies (ICE) since June 12, causing vehicle burnouts, graffiti, and blocking a highway2. Local law enforcement has arrested dozens of people over the course of the protests1.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized this military deployment, stating on social media that Marines have served honorably in multiple wars to protect democracy, and should not be deployed against their own citizens at the behest of a delusional president2. Newsom also objected to the National Guard's involvement, citing a lack of problems prior to Trump's interference3.
Extra Insights:
- The legal ramifications of Trump's actions are being questioned, as deploying National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement could violate the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal law that requires the military to receive specific congressional authorization before engaging in domestic law enforcement1.
- The ACLU has referred to Trump's deployment of federal agents to deal with protests in Portland, Oregon, as an "unlawful" and "unconstitutional" infringement on citizens' First Amendment rights[6].
Further Reading:
- In California, Trump escalates immigration conflict
- Analysis: Trump’s immigration policy remains a profitable issue
- California Attorney General Sues Trump
[6]: https://www.aclu.org/news/aclu-releases-report-reveals-unlawful- tactics-used-to-troublemakers-in-portland-even-before-feds-arrived
- The political implications of President Trump's decision to deploy Marines in Los Angeles amidst the ongoing protests against his immigration policy are raising questions about policy-and-legislation, as it could potentially violate the Posse Comitatus Act.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts between federal authorities and protesters in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, and other cities, such as Portland, Oregon, have led to discussions in the general-news about the appropriate use of crime-and-justice mechanisms, including the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement.
- The intense political climate surrounding President Trump's immigration policy, protests, and the subsequent military response has created tension in California politics, with figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom criticizing the deployment of Marines against their own citizens and questioning the need for National Guard involvement.
