US Deploys 700 Marines to LA Amid Unrest Over Immigration

(The Post News)- Los Angeles protest escalates after federal response to growing unrest over immigration policy, the U.S. military will temporarily deploy approximately 700 Marines to Los Angeles until additional National Guard troops can arrive, the Pentagon confirmed late Monday. The move follows four consecutive days of protests that have roiled Southern California and ignited tensions nationwide.

The deployment, ordered by President Donald Trump, comes as part of a broader crackdown following a wave of immigration raids across the region. The president previously activated the National Guard on Saturday to respond to street protests that erupted in reaction to what critics call aggressive and unjust enforcement policies targeting undocumented immigrants.

“This is about law and order,” Trump told reporters, defending his decision to bolster military presence in Los Angeles. “I had no choice but to step in before the violence spiraled further out of control.”

Monday night marked the most intense confrontation yet. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles, where many immigrants are being held. Clashes ensued as the LAPD, supported by a human barricade of National Guard troops, moved in to disperse the crowd. Police used “less-lethal” munitions, including gas canisters, after some protesters reportedly threw objects at officers. Five officers and five police horses sustained minor injuries over the weekend.

The LAPD defended its actions in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Less lethal munitions may cause pain and discomfort,” but emphasized that the tactics were necessary to prevent further escalation.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal response, calling it an “unprecedented and unlawful overreach.” On Monday, the state filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the deployment of both the Marines and National Guard violates federal law and infringes on state sovereignty.

Despite the escalating military presence, the Trump administration has not yet invoked the Insurrection Act a rare legal tool that would permit active-duty troops to engage directly in civilian law enforcement. A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that while the Marines are on hi standby, they are not currently authorised to participate in policing activities.

Protests have continued throughout the city and in at least nine other U.S. cities, including New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Demonstrators have condemned the federal immigration raids and demanded the release of detainees. On Sunday, several self-driving Waymo vehicles were torched amid the unrest, while tensions flared when some protesters fired paintballs at the federal detention facility.

“This affects every American,” said Marzita Cerrato, 42, a first-generation immigrant protesting outside the Los Angeles facility. “What we’re seeing isn’t just about immigration it’s about basic human rights and freedom.”

President Trump, in comments Monday, backed a controversial statement by his border czar Tom Homan, who suggested arresting Governor Newsom for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement. “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great,” Trump said.

Democrats and civil liberties groups have sharply criticised the deployment of military forces to address what they describe as a political and humanitarian crisis. “The level of escalation is completely unwarranted, uncalled for, and unprecedented,” Newsom’s office said in a statement.

Historically, the use of U.S. military forces in domestic situations has been rare. Past examples include the response to Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 attacks. The last major use of the Insurrection Act occurred in 1992, during the Los Angeles riots following the acquittal of police officers in the beating of Rodney King. That unrest left over 50 people dead and caused more than $1 billion in damage.

Under federal law, the president may deploy the National Guard if there is an invasion, rebellion, or if regular law enforcement is unable to uphold U.S. laws. While Trump has not yet taken the final legal steps to grant Marines direct enforcement authority, critics worry that such a move may soon follow.

For now, the protests continue, with no clear end in sight.