The U.S. military will temporarily send about 700 Marines to Los Angeles. This is a stopgap measure while more National Guard troops are on their way. The deployment signals a new escalation in President Donald Trump’s response to protests sparked by his immigration policies.
Guard Deployment Triggers Public Uproar
Tensions flared after Trump activated the National Guard on Saturday. The decision came after major street protests broke out across Southern California. Demonstrators were reacting to immigration raids. These protests have become the most volatile moment in Trump’s campaign to deport people living in the U.S. without legal status.
The announcement about the Marines came on Monday, marking the fourth day of protests. That night, hundreds of people gathered outside a federal detention facility in downtown Los Angeles. The building houses immigrants awaiting processing.Police Move In to Clear Protesters 
A line of National Guard troops stood in front of the building. They formed a human wall to block access. Soon after, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department moved up the street. They began pushing people away. Officers also used so-called “less lethal” weapons, such as tear gas canisters.
The LAPD stated that some protesters had started throwing objects. In response, the department authorized the use of these weapons. In a post on X, police said, “Less lethal munitions may cause pain and discomfort.”
California Pushes Back with Lawsuit
On the same day, California filed a lawsuit to stop the deployment. State officials argued that bringing in the National Guard and Marines violates both federal law and California’s sovereignty.
While the U.S. military has helped during disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 attacks, using them for local policing is highly unusual.
A U.S. official confirmed that Trump had not invoked the Insurrection Act. This law allows troops to directly enforce civilian laws, but it has not yet been applied.
More Troops on the Way
The Pentagon announced Monday that the National Guard force in California will grow. The initial 2,000 troops will double to 4,000.
Trump defended the move. He said stronger force was needed to stop the situation from spiraling out of control.
Trump also expressed support for a controversial suggestion. His immigration advisor, Tom Homan, proposed that Governor Gavin Newsom be arrested. Homan claimed Newsom was obstructing immigration enforcement. Trump commented, “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great.”
Democrats Decry Abuse of Power
Democrats said the president was abusing his authority by deploying the military. California’s lawsuit claimed that the move was unlawful and politically motivated.
Newsom’s office issued a statement on X. “The level of escalation is completely unwarranted, uncalled for, and unprecedented,” it read.
A Weekend of Clashes and Arrests
Over four days of protest, dozens of people were arrested. Property damage was also reported. On Sunday, several self-driving Waymo cars were set on fire.
According to the LAPD, five officers and five police horses suffered minor injuries over the weekend. These injuries occurred during crowd control efforts.
Earlier on Monday, before police cleared the area, hundreds of people chanted “Free them all!” outside the detention center. Emotions ran high.
Marzita Cerrato, a 42-year-old first-generation American, was among the crowd. Her parents are from Mexico and Honduras. She said, “What’s happening affects every American. It matters for anyone who wants to live free, no matter how long their family has been here.”
The event took a violent turn. Some protesters punched a Trump supporter and threw eggs at him. Others fired paintballs from a car aimed at the federal building.
Protests Spread Across the Country
Demonstrations weren’t limited to Los Angeles. On Monday, protests erupted in at least nine other cities. These included New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
The Trump administration has accused President Joe Biden’s team of being too soft on immigration. Officials claim that Democrat-led cities are interfering with federal efforts. Trump has promised mass deportations. He also aims to tighten control over the U.S.–Mexico border, setting a goal of 3,000 arrests per day.
Legal Basis for Military Involvement
Trump can deploy the Marines under certain laws or by using his power as commander in chief. But using the military for direct police action is rare.
The last time the Insurrection Act was used this way was in 1992. That year, California’s governor asked President George H. W. Bush to send troops. The request came after riots broke out in Los Angeles. Protesters were reacting to the acquittal of officers who beat Rodney King, a Black motorist.
Remembering the 1992 Los Angeles Riots
The 1992 riots lasted six days. More than 50 people were killed. Property damage totaled around $1 billion. The events marked one of the most violent civil disturbances in U.S. history.
Federal law permits the president to deploy troops in cases of invasion, rebellion, or when civilian authorities cannot enforce the law. Whether that standard is met today is now the subject of fierce national debate.
