The Trump administration has dispatched hundreds of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to assist the California National Guard amid ongoing protests.
“Officials from Defense and Congress” noted in a report that “about 500” Marines are being sent to the area “to safeguard federal buildings and personnel” following riots that broke out over immigration enforcement.
Furthermore, it was stated that these Marines “will not engage” with the protesters, as per the report.
According to a press release from the Northern US headquarters, it was mentioned that “the 700 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and Part 1 will integrate with Title 10 units under Task Force 51, specifically tasked with protecting federal personnel and assets in Los Angeles.”
In addition, a separate report indicated that “three sources familiar with the situation” confirmed that 700 Marines from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center will indeed be deployed to the city.
According to one source mentioned by the report, the presence of security personnel on the ground in Los Angeles is expected to be enhanced by the Marines. Trump had previously called up 2,000 national security personnel, yet “only about 300” have actually been visible on the streets so far.
One individual involved in the Marine Corps mobilization mentioned that this action aims to increase the number of security personnel in Los Angeles. Although the president has revitalized over 2,000 members of the California State Guard, only around 300 have been mobilized for street deployment thus far. Those first 300 were quickly available due to a weekend National Guard drill, while it may take up to 72 hours for additional units to be activated. The recent influx of Marines is expected to bolster ongoing security efforts in the area.
American officials indicated that these deployments are “temporary” in Los Angeles, consisting of around 700 Marines.
The decision to send Marines coincided with a weekend when President Trump signed a memorandum that involved mobilizing 2,000 national security personnel.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegses shared on social media that, given the rise in threats against federal law enforcement and facilities, roughly 700 active-duty Marines have been sent to Los Angeles from Camp Pendleton.
Social media has seen various videos and images showing law enforcement, border patrol vehicles, instances of looting, and protesters throwing rocks at vehicles and flags. Actions like these have drawn critiques. Some Democrats called out Trump for what they see as an inappropriate use of federal power.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris remarked that deploying the National Guard in response to the riots is a “dangerous escalation.” California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed this sentiment, criticizing Trump’s strategy as “inflammatory” and announcing his intention to sue the Trump administration for “illegally” federalizing the National Guard.
