About 200 Marines have arrived in Los Angeles to take over security responsibilities at the Wilshire Federal Building near UCLA. This deployment marks a significant escalation in the federal response to ongoing protests that have gripped the city for the past week.

According to Just The News, the Marines began their security assignment Friday afternoon, relieving National Guard members who had been protecting the 17-story federal building. The Marines' arrival comes amid growing tensions following mass arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that sparked the initial protests.

The Wilshire Federal Building, located in Westwood, approximately 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles and about one mile from UCLA's campus, houses several federal agencies, including the FBI, Veterans Affairs, and a federal passport agency. The building has become a focal point in the unfolding situation.

High-profile incident sparked controversy

The federal building gained additional attention Thursday when U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, was briefly handcuffed while attempting to approach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a press conference.

Padilla was quickly released after the incident but stated he had only been trying to ask Noem a question. The confrontation has added fuel to the already tense situation unfolding across Los Angeles, particularly in the downtown area where protests have concentrated.

This incident has raised questions about security protocols and the treatment of elected officials at federal facilities during times of heightened security. It comes as federal authorities have strengthened their presence around government buildings.

Limited military role emphasized

Major General Scott M. Sherman of the National Guard clearly defined the parameters of the military presence during Friday's press briefing. He emphasized that the Marines' mission is strictly limited to protecting federal property and personnel.

Sherman further clarified that National Guard members deployed by President Donald Trump have not participated in law enforcement activities. Their role, like that of the Marines who relieved them, has been strictly confined to guarding federal property and buildings.

The distinction between military protection of federal assets and civilian law enforcement responsibilities remains a critical separation as authorities respond to the ongoing protests. Military officials have been careful to articulate these boundaries amid concerns about the expanding federal presence.

Citywide impacts continue

Los Angeles residents are experiencing continued disruptions as the protests enter their second week. Police have again implemented closures of on- and off-ramps for Highway 101, a major freeway, and issued warnings about road closures affecting travel to a scheduled Dodgers game.

The Los Angeles Police Department has advised people to avoid driving through the downtown area entirely. These traffic restrictions come as authorities work to manage protest activities that have largely centered in the downtown district.

A nighttime curfew remains in effect, with the fourth consecutive dusk-to-dawn restriction running from 8 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. The curfew has been implemented as part of efforts to maintain order following a week of demonstrations.

Federal response expands

The deployment of Marines represents the latest development in the federal government's response to protests that began following ICE's mass arrest operations. The demonstrations have primarily focused on immigration enforcement actions by the Trump administration.

President Trump initially deployed National Guard troops to protect federal property in the area, but the decision to bring in Marines signals an escalation in the federal security presence. This comes as protests have continued despite the implementation of curfews and other measures.

The federal building in Westwood is now under Marine protection, while downtown Los Angeles remains the epicenter of protest activity. As federal authorities strengthen their positions around government facilities, local law enforcement continues managing street demonstrations and implementing traffic control measures to maintain order.