In response to riots concerning anti-immigration policies, President Donald Trump has deployed approximately 700 Marines to Los Angeles, amidst backlash from Democrats. These Marines are on standby but have yet to be actively engaged. If they are summoned, they would be equipped with shields and batons, though they do not possess arresting powers.
This situation, while unusual, isn’t unheard of. Historically, the president has called for active duty troops during national emergencies in accordance with the Rebellion Act, even with existing legal hurdles like the Posse Comitatus Act.
Looking back, one can recall significant moments when the Commander-in-Chief ordered military presence in U.S. cities for order restoration.
Tom Cotton advocates for stricter measures against riotous immigrants in Los Angeles, referencing attacks on ICE.
The Los Angeles riots have drawn comparisons to previous incidents, such as the chaotic reactions following the Rodney King verdict in 1992. That turbulence led then-Governor Pete Wilson to ask for federal intervention. President George H.W. Bush subsequently dispatched around 4,000 soldiers and additional Marines under the Rebellion Act. The aftermath was devastating—over sixty fatalities and thousands injured—with the city experiencing extensive property damage.
In a broadcast, Bush noted the tragic consequences of the riots, describing the “incredible property damage” and loss of life.
Challenges in coordinating military operations were evident, as misunderstandings during high-stress situations led to incidents where troops mistakenly fired into buildings, believing they were acting to control the chaos.
Washington, DC, Riots following MLK’s assassination, 1968
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination sparked violent unrest across various cities, particularly in the capital. In response, President Lyndon B. Johnson deployed a significant number of federal troops in Washington, D.C., to restore order.
Detroit Race Riot, 1967
A particularly fierce confrontation began in Detroit after police clashed with patrons at an unlicensed bar. This five-day riot resulted in substantial casualties and widespread destruction, prompting Michigan’s Governor George Romney to request National Guard assistance.
Integration Crisis in Little Rock, 1957
In a confrontation that echoed the civil rights struggles, nine Black students faced resistance while trying to enroll at Little Rock Central High School. In response to threats of violence, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deployed federal troops for protection, marking a pivotal moment in the enforcement of civil rights.
New York City Draft Riots, 1863
During the Civil War, a controversial draft law triggered racial tensions and violence in New York City, as wealthier men avoided service. President Abraham Lincoln intervened by reallocating Union forces to restore order during the four-day riot.
