Marine Deployment in Los Angeles Amid Protests
General Eric Smith, the Marine Commander, stated during a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting on Tuesday that he has not directly communicated with officials from the Los Angeles Police Department or California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the recent dispatch of 700 Marines to the city amid protests related to immigration enforcement.
At the hearing, Smith noted that while the Marine battalion is present in Los Angeles, they have not yet engaged in any actions aimed at safeguarding federal properties or officials.
The Pentagon issued orders on Monday for the Marines to collaborate with over 4,100 National Guard personnel deployed to counter demonstrations against immigration and customs enforcement activities, which have seen some protesters clashing with police, culminating in thrown projectiles and vehicle fires.
In response to inquiries from Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Smith mentioned that the Marines fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Northern Command, indicating a level of uncertainty around coordination efforts. Slotkin expressed frustration, suggesting direct communication could help align their objectives.
The Associated Press reported that Pentagon leaders were working to clarify rules concerning the use of force by the Marines during their deployment to Los Angeles in order to avoid escalation with American citizens on domestic soil.
The Northern Command confirmed that Marines are trained in de-escalation tactics, crowd control, and the judicious use of force. However, implications arose that soldiers who ordinarily operate in combat scenarios may encounter a very different environment when addressing American protesters.
Smith clarified that Marines are trained for situations requiring less lethal response options and are equipped with shields and batons. Importantly, he stated that Marines do not possess arrest powers, emphasizing their purpose is to protect federal assets and officials.
Under the Posse Comitatus Act, military personnel are restricted from engaging in civilian law enforcement actions in the United States.
Slotkin expressed concern that such military involvement might tarnish the military’s standing within the country. She worried that the deployment could lend itself to narratives where local law enforcement might claim, “We don’t need them,” which might escalate tensions.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) earlier indicated that the involvement of the National Guard and Marines in crowd control raises alarms about civil rights and liberties infringements.
Democrats in the Senate have expressed fears regarding potential harm civilians might face, pressing Smith to affirm his confidence in mitigating such scenarios. Smith maintained his trust in the competence of his Marines and their leaders to execute their duties lawfully.
This move to deploy the Guardsmen and Marines in Los Angeles has drawn backlash from local and national leaders, who describe it as an unnecessary action spurred by the Trump administration. Governor Newsom remarked that the Guard does not seem to be providing essential supplies from the Department of Defense, and social media has featured images depicting troops resting on the floors of governmental facilities.
On Tuesday, security personnel were observed stationed near military vehicles on a tranquil street. The financial implications of this deployment are projected to reach approximately $134 million, covering temporary service expenses such as logistics, housing, and food accommodations.
