US Marines Deployed to Los Angeles amid Immigration Protests: What You Need to Know
U.S. Military Deploys 700 Marines to Los Angeles
In light of ongoing protests against the administration's immigration policies in California, President Trump has taken an extraordinary step. The Pentagon has ordered around 700 Marines to Los Angeles to provide support to National Guard forces protecting federal employees and property. According to reports, these soldiers are expected to arrive within the next 24 hours.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticizes this move, calling it "insane." "The US Marines have honorably served to defend democracy in several wars," Newsom said on X. "They should not be deployed on American soil to face their own countrymen to fulfill the insane fantasy of a dictatorial president."
The deployment of regular army personnel within the country marks another significant escalation surrounding the Los Angeles protests against the actions of the US immigration authority, ICE. While the soldiers are trained for military operations and war, not for policing duties, at least 2000 National Guard soldiers were mobilized over the weekend, against Governor Newsom's resistance. This unusual display of government power is the first time since 1965 that a US president has taken over the National Guard of a state against its declared will.
Several hundred National Guard soldiers, some in combat gear and with automatic weapons, have already been stationed to protect federal buildings from protests and vandalism. Before the decision to deploy Marines, Trump had verbally reprimanded in a press conference, but he insists that the National Guard had de-escalated the situation in the metropolis on the West Coast and prevented worse. "It's still simmering a little, but not very much," he said about the protests, denying any intention of a civil war.
While Trump maintains his criticism of California Governor Newsom, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against the federal government on Monday, accusing it of illegally seizing control of the California National Guard without the state's consent.
Legal Concerns and Implications
The deployment raises several legal and political implications. The Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of federal troops for domestic law enforcement without specific authorization. While President Trump has not invoked the Insurrection Act, which would be required for law enforcement actions on US soil, the troops operate under federal authority, allowing them to protect federal assets but not engage in law enforcement. California's lawsuit argues that the deployment is illegal and puts democracy at risk.
The presence of active-duty troops in a protest zone can be perceived as law enforcement, complicating the mission and potentially escalating tensions. Operationally, the mission poses risks for the military, as it may be seen as partisan or law enforcement-related. The estimated cost of the deployment is $134 million, which could impact other vital public services. The memorandum issued by President Trump applies to all states, potentially setting a precedent for federal control over state militias.
As the situation continues to develop, it is crucial to stay informed and understand the legal ramifications and potential implications of this unprecedented deployment.
- USA
- Donald Trump
- Military
- California
- Protests
- Migration
- Immigration
- The ongoing immigration protests in California have sparked debates about community policy and migration, with California Governor Gavin Newsom expressing concerns that the deployment of US Marines to Los Angeles may infringe upon general news and politics.
- The involvement of war-and-conflicts trained US Marines in a domestic dispute over immigration policy highlights the potential blurring of lines between military operations and law enforcement, a concern amplified by the Posse Comitatus Act and the implications it has for the alleged illegal seizure of control of the California National Guard.
