President Donald Trump has deployed a battalion of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles as part of efforts to manage anti-ICE protests and safeguard federal properties amidst escalating unrest.
The decision to mobilize the Marines follows the earlier deployment of National Guardsmen to the city. According to a senior defense official, the Marines will remain on duty to protect federal properties and personnel, without engaging in law enforcement duties. However, the specific rules governing the use of force if protesters confront the Marines are yet to be outlined, raising concerns and legal scrutiny.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed disapproval of the move, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for alleged overreach and claiming the deployment is unwarranted and unprecedented. He accused the administration of trampling on California’s sovereignty by sending the National Guard without his approval. Meanwhile, Trump defended the deployment and warned of harsh consequences for any disrespectful actions towards the guardsmen, suggesting a firm stance against such conduct.
Newsom and the California attorney general claimed Trump and Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth