Marines in Los Angeles: Current Status and Training
The 700 Marines that President Trump deployed to Los Angeles have not yet taken to the streets. Instead, they are currently engaged in standby duties and non-lethal training exercises.
Aerial footage from Tuesday showed a group of Marines practicing hand-to-hand combat and crowd control techniques at Seal Beach Field, which is located just south of LA County. This deployment comes in response to violent protests over the weekend, where some individuals set property ablaze and used Molotov cocktails against law enforcement.
The President’s decision to send the Marines and approximately 4,000 National Guard members reflects an effort to restore order after these disturbances. However, it seems the Governor of California is pushing back against federal involvement in state matters.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Northern Command noted that while the Marines have not yet completed their non-lethal weapons training, they’re scheduled for additional training, expected to conclude on Friday. The Defense Department officials emphasized that it’s crucial for infantry forces to understand the protocols related to the use of force in domestic scenarios.
The estimated cost of deploying these Marines and National Guard troops to Southern California stands around $134 million, with funds being allocated from the operational and maintenance budget.
General Eric Smith of the USMC indicated that the Marines are operating under strict directives, focusing on protecting federal property and personnel rather than performing traditional law enforcement roles. He mentioned they have already undergone four days of training as part of their preparation.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the primary mission for the Marines and National Guard is to ensure public safety during these tumultuous times. He reiterated that their role isn’t about being aggressive but about supporting law enforcement in maintaining order amidst recent chaos.
Interestingly, on Tuesday night, a federal judge denied a request for a temporary restraining order which would have limited Trump’s deployment of these troops to manage ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Adding to the mix, California Governor Gavin Newsom has been publicly criticizing the federal response, claiming that the President’s actions are overreaching and lack proper dialogue with local law enforcement. Conversely, the Trump administration argues that the ICE operations are aimed at apprehending criminals living illegally in the U.S.
This situation continues to evolve, reflecting the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities as the efforts to restore order in Los Angeles unfold.
