US Marines Detain Civilian in Los Angeles Amidst Immigration Protests, Raising Concerns Over Military’s Domestic Role
US Marines Detain Civilian in Los Angeles Amidst Immigration Protests, Raising Concerns Over Military’s Domestic Role
In an unprecedented move, US Marines deployed to Los Angeles detained a civilian on Friday, June 13, 2025, marking the first known instance of active-duty troops under the Donald Trump administration detaining a civilian domestically. The incident occurred at the Wilshire Federal Building, where Marines had been tasked with protecting the facility following days of protests over recent immigration raids.
The detained individual was identified as Marcos Leao, a 27-year-old US Army veteran. Leao was reportedly on his way to a Veterans Affairs office when he crossed a yellow-taped boundary. He was briefly restrained with zip ties before being transferred to the custody of Department of Homeland Security personnel and subsequently released. Leao stated he was treated “very fairly” and that the Marines were “just doing their job.”
The deployment and subsequent detention have sparked a vigorous debate regarding the domestic use of military forces, particularly under the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally restricts the military from civilian law enforcement. Military officials clarified that troops are authorized to temporarily detain individuals posing a threat to federal personnel or property until civilian law enforcement can take over, but not to carry out arrests themselves. Legal experts are closely watching to see if the administration’s actions will escalate, potentially involving the Insurrection Act, which would grant troops broader law enforcement powers.
This incident unfolded as nationwide protests against the Trump administration’s policies, especially concerning immigration, were planned for the following day, coinciding with a military parade in Washington D.C. and the President’s 79th birthday.
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