Pentagon Withdraws 700 Marines from Los Angeles Amid Public Outcry
Pentagon Withdraws 700 Marines from Los Angeles Amid Public Outcry
The Pentagon has ordered the immediate withdrawal of 700 U.S. Marines from Los Angeles, more than a month after their controversial deployment by then-President Donald Trump. The decision follows widespread objections from local leaders and a lawsuit filed by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The Marines, part of a larger military presence that included 4,000 National Guard soldiers, were deployed on June 9 during intense protests in downtown LA related to the administration’s immigration policies. Their presence was largely confined to federal buildings, including an ICE office and detention facility. The deployment drew criticism, particularly after reports of a man being temporarily detained while attempting to reach a Veterans Affairs appointment.
This withdrawal comes shortly after half of the National Guard troops were also ordered to leave the city. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated the military presence had “sent a clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated.” However, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who held a press conference with veteran leaders ahead of the announcement, hailed the pull-back as a “win for Los Angeles” and for service members.
Governor Newsom had sued the federal government over the National Guard deployment, arguing Trump violated laws by activating troops without state notification. While a lower court initially sided with California, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked that order last month. Newsom reiterated his call for the remaining Guard troops to also be sent home, stating, “There was never a need for the military to deploy against civilians in Los Angeles.” Local authorities consistently disputed the Trump administration’s characterization of the city as a “war zone” during the protests.
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