Los Angeles Erupts: Federal Troops Deployed Amidst Escalating Anti-ICE Protests, State Sues Trump Administration
Los Angeles Erupts: Federal Troops Deployed Amidst Escalating Anti-ICE Protests, State Sues Trump Administration
Los Angeles is grappling with widespread unrest as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids intensify, prompting President Trump to deploy approximately 700 active-duty Marines to join National Guard troops already in the city. This unprecedented federal intervention has sparked immediate legal challenges from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The Marines, based at Twentynine Palms, arrived in the greater Los Angeles area on Tuesday morning, augmenting the 2,100 California National Guard members now operating across Los Angeles, Paramount, and Compton. A defense official confirmed the Marines completed their training within two days and could be deployed to protest sites as early as Friday. The Pentagon estimates the National Guard deployment alone will cost $134 million.
U.S. Northern Command stated the Marines would “seamlessly integrate” with Guard members to protect federal personnel and property, emphasizing their training in “de-escalation, crowd control and standing rules for the use of force.” Concerns are mounting over the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act by President Trump, a 19th-century law allowing the president to deploy military forces domestically to suppress rebellion or enforce law. When questioned on Tuesday, Trump stated, “If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We’ll see.”
In response to escalating tensions, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew for downtown L.A. on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time, to curb “vandalism and looting.” Bass urged non-residents to avoid the area, warning of arrests and prosecution for curfew violations.
The protests, which began last Friday and escalated significantly on Sunday, saw thousands take to the streets, blocking major freeways and setting self-driving cars ablaze. Law enforcement responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs. By Wednesday, over 850 individuals had been arrested across the L.A. area on various charges, including failure to disperse, assault on officers, looting, and arson.
California officials have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the deployment of the Guard without consulting Governor Newsom, a move Newsom labeled “illegal and immoral.” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell echoed this sentiment, stating, “We don’t need the National Guard, and they are not here to help us right now. They are here to facilitate what the federal agencies are doing on the immigration front.” Newsom indicated further legal action is likely against the deployment of Marines, which he also deems illegal.
The controversy extends to other cities, with San Francisco reporting widespread, largely peaceful demonstrations against ICE raids, though some instances of vandalism and arrests occurred. This marks a significant escalation of federal involvement in local law enforcement matters, with the last instance of a National Guard activation without a governor’s permission dating back to 1965.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.