Trump Deploys 700 Marines to Los Angeles Amid Immigration Protests

The U.S. military has announced the temporary deployment of approximately 700 Marine Corps personnel to Los Angeles. This move is a response to the escalating protests against the administration's immigration policies, marking a significant escalation in President Trump's intervention. The U.S. Northern Command stated that a battalion will be dispatched to assist in protecting federal property and personnel until additional National Guard troops arrive. An unnamed U.S. official revealed that the Trump administration has not invoked the Insurrection Act, which would allow the military to directly engage in law enforcement.

The deployment follows a series of street protests in Southern California against immigration raids, with tensions rising since Trump mobilized the National Guard over the weekend. Republicans argue that the use of the National Guard or Marine Corps is necessary, while Democrats criticize it as an overreach of presidential power.

Historically, the Marine Corps has been deployed domestically during major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 attacks. However, the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement is extremely rare. Trump has the authority to deploy the Marine Corps under specific legal conditions or through his powers as Commander-in-Chief. Without invoking the Insurrection Act, the Marines, like the National Guard, will remain subject to legal restrictions, likely limiting their role to protecting federal personnel and property. The last instance of military involvement in domestic policing under the Insurrection Act was in 1992, when then-California Governor requested assistance from President George H.W. Bush to address the Los Angeles riots.

Even in a supportive role, the use of the Marine Corps in police matters is expected to draw further opposition from Democrats, who accuse Trump of unnecessarily escalating tensions in Los Angeles. Governor Gavin Newsom's office stated on X, "The escalation is completely unwarranted, unnecessary, and unprecedented." California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement saying his office has filed a lawsuit.

Federal law permits the president to deploy the military in cases of national invasion, "insurrection or rebellion," or when the president "cannot enforce the laws of the United States." The lawsuit filed by California alleges that Trump has exceeded the authority granted to him by law and seeks a court declaration that his actions are unlawful.