Active-duty Marines stationed in Los Angeles detained a civilian briefly at a federal site during protests about immigration raids, marking a notable incident involving military personnel in a domestic mission.
According to the New York Post, U.S. Marines detained a civilian outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles last Friday, setting a precedent for their involvement in temporary detentions during their mission to protect federal buildings amid ongoing protests.
In recent days, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of active-duty Marines and National Guard members to Los Angeles as part of his commitment to securing federal sites against damage from protests. The concern over immigration raids has sparked significant public outcry, and demonstrators have gathered at federal properties to express their discontent.
The incident occurred when Marines, positioned to guard the Wilshire Federal Building, briefly held a civilian, Marcos Leao, a 27-year-old veteran of the U.S. Army. Leao was detained after crossing a yellow barrier as he made his way to the Department of Veterans Affairs located inside the building. Although his actions led to the detention, Leao later clarified, "They're just doing their job," acknowledging the responsibilities of the military personnel at the scene.
Leao's detainment was conducted with zip ties used to secure his hands, an action aligned with the Northern Command's regulations. He was then handed over to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents.
The U.S. military’s Northern Command clarified that when troops detain individuals temporarily, it must stop immediately once they can safely pass the detained party to civilian law enforcement.
In confirming the parameters of this mission, a spokesperson for the Northern Command emphasized that there are specific conditions under which active-duty forces may briefly hold an individual. These circumstances are designed to bridge the gap until qualified civilian officials can lawfully take over the situation.
Currently, the deployment in Los Angeles includes 200 Marines alongside over 2,000 National Guard members. They are actively involved in maintaining the security of federal zones during heightened demonstrations. Reports have confirmed that additional reinforcements, including 500 more Marines and another 2,000 National Guard troops, are already scheduled to join this mission to ensure a robust response.
While these troops are empowered to apprehend individuals threatening federal staff or property, they are strictly barred from making arrests. This limitation is a direct consequence of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prevents military personnel from engaging in law enforcement activities without congressional approval.
To further expand the military's role in civilian law enforcement, President Trump would have to invoke the Insurrection Act, something that has not been done for this situation.
This legal framework is designed to allow military intervention in exceptional circumstances where civilian authorities cannot maintain peace and order.
The use of active-duty military personnel for securing federal property in Los Angeles is a rarity and has sparked notable discourse about the appropriate boundaries of military involvement in civil matters. Critics of the deployment have expressed concerns about the potential for overreach and the implications for civil liberties.
The story of Marcos Leao is an interesting case reflecting both the peculiar dynamics introduced by the military presence and the human element of such encounters. While the situation was diffused without incident, it underscores the tension inherent in deploying troops for domestic responsibilities typically reserved for civilian entities.
The narratives emanating from this deployment in Los Angeles are sure to influence the broader conversation on how federal authorities address civil unrest and the appropriate role of military forces in such scenarios.
Observers and analysts alike will be closely watching the unfolding of these missions and the potential implications for future events.
