President Donald Trump has ordered approximately 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles as tensions escalate over immigration enforcement operations. The deployment comes as anti-ICE protests featuring foreign flag-waving demonstrators continue to spread across the city, leading to clashes with law enforcement.
According to Breitbart, the Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Division will "seamlessly integrate with the Title 10 forces under Task Force 51 who are protecting federal personnel and federal property" in Los Angeles.
The Marine deployment follows Trump's decision to federalize 2,000 California National Guard members over the weekend, a move that has sparked fierce criticism from Democratic leaders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployment was in response to "increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings."
Social media has captured numerous incidents of protesters throwing rocks at law enforcement officers and attacking Border Patrol vehicles. Some demonstrators have been documented looting businesses, burning vehicles and American flags, and shooting fireworks at mounted police officers.
The Marines deployed to Los Angeles are coming from Camp Pendleton and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. Multiple sources confirmed to CNN that while Trump federalized 2,000 National Guard members, only about 300 have actually been deployed to Los Angeles streets so far.
Officials emphasized that the Marines "won't engage" with rioters directly. Their primary mission appears focused on protecting federal personnel and property as immigration enforcement operations continue throughout the region.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized Trump's decision to federalize the National Guard, calling the move "purposefully inflammatory." The governor has also filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming it "illegally acted to federalize the National Guard."
Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined in the criticism, issuing a statement Sunday that characterized the National Guard deployment as a "dangerous escalation." Democratic leaders have questioned whether the federal response is proportionate to the situation on the ground.
The partisan divide over the response highlights the deeply polarized views on immigration enforcement. While Republicans have largely supported Trump's decisive action, Democrats have expressed concern about potential civil rights violations and escalation of tensions.
The initial 300 National Guard members who reached Los Angeles streets were already participating in routine drill exercises when mobilized, explaining their rapid deployment. Military officials note it typically takes up to 72 hours for additional Guard personnel to be fully activated and deployed.
U.S. Northern Command confirmed that the Marines would be working alongside National Guard forces under the Title 10 authorization. This legal framework allows federal troops to conduct certain law enforcement activities that would normally be prohibited under the Posse Comitatus Act.
One source familiar with the deployment told CNN the Marines "will be augmenting the Guard presence on the ground" in Los Angeles. The deployment is described as temporary, though no specific timeline has been provided for how long the Marines might remain in the city.
The deployment represents the latest escalation in an increasingly contentious relationship between the Trump administration and California state officials. Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense to "liberate" Los Angeles, stating that "illegals will be expelled."
Governor Newsom's lawsuit challenging the federalization of the National Guard signals a significant legal battle ahead. The dispute centers on the president's authority to deploy federal forces in states without gubernatorial consent during civil disturbances.
As the Marines arrive in Los Angeles, the city faces an uncertain path forward with federal forces, state officials, and protesters locked in a tense standoff that shows few signs of quick resolution. The deployment underscores the complex and often fraught relationship between federal immigration enforcement and local communities affected by these policies.
