From Fallujah to LA: 700 U.S. Marines Deployed to Los Angeles

Byline: WPS News Investigative Correspondent

Los Angeles, CA – June 10, 2025 – The deployment of approximately 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to assist National Guard units in response to ongoing protests over federal immigration enforcement has ignited fierce debate, with California officials and local law enforcement questioning the necessity and legality of the move. The protests, now in their fourth day, stem from public outrage over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting immigrant communities. While television coverage has focused on dramatic clashes between protesters and law enforcement, a broader perspective reveals a complex situation where peaceful demonstrators coexist alongside pockets of unrest, raising questions about the role of federal forces in a city where the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) insists it has the situation under control.

Escalation of Federal Involvement

On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Pentagon announced the mobilization of roughly 700 Marines from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, to support approximately 4,100 National Guard troops already deployed in Los Angeles. This follows President Donald Trump’s order to federalize 2,000 National Guard members on Saturday, with an additional 2,000 mobilized on Monday, bringing the total federal presence to nearly 5,000 troops (CNN, 2025; Independent, 2025). The U.S. Northern Command stated that the Marines are tasked with “protecting federal personnel and federal property in the greater Los Angeles area” under Task Force 51, integrating with National Guard units to support ICE operations (CNN, 2025).

The deployment has drawn sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who argue that the federal intervention is unnecessary and escalates tensions. Newsom called the move “deranged behavior” and “un-American,” accusing the Trump administration of using the military as “political pawns” to bolster the president’s image ahead of the Army’s 250th anniversary parade on June 14 (Independent, 2025; Guardian, 2025). California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration, labeling the federalization of the National Guard and deployment of Marines as “unlawful” and seeking a court order to halt further deployments (CBS News, 2025).

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell echoed these concerns, stating that the department received “no formal notification” of the Marines’ arrival, which he described as presenting “a significant logistical and operational challenge” (Axios, 2025). McDonnell emphasized that the LAPD is equipped to handle large-scale demonstrations, having made 50 arrests and fired over 600 non-lethal rounds to manage protests that included charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon (USA Today, 2025). Mayor Bass further noted that the National Guard’s role is limited to guarding two federal buildings, questioning the need for additional Marine forces (Guardian, 2025).

Role of the Marines and National Guard

The official mission of the Marines and National Guard in Los Angeles is narrowly defined: to protect federal employees and property, particularly ICE agents and federal facilities such as the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and the Metropolitan Detention Center, where protests have been concentrated (CNN, 2025; ABC News, 2025). According to the U.S. Northern Command, the Marines will “seamlessly integrate” with National Guard forces under Task Force 51 to provide “continuous coverage” of federal assets (CNN, 2025). National Guard troops, operating under federal command (Title 10), are armed but instructed to carry weapons without rounds in the chamber, relying on de-escalation tactics unless self-defense is required (ABC News, 2025).

However, the deployment has raised concerns about the potential for overreach. Veterans and military analysts warn that using active-duty Marines and federalized National Guard troops against civilian protesters risks politicizing the military, violating its tradition of avoiding domestic political conflicts except in extreme circumstances (Guardian, 2025). Janessa Goldbeck, a Marine Corps veteran and CEO of Vet Voice Foundation, described the executive order as an invitation to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to “mobilize as many troops as he wants anywhere within the US,” potentially setting a dangerous precedent (Guardian, 2025). The last comparable federal deployment against a state’s objections occurred in 1965, when President Lyndon Johnson federalized the Alabama National Guard to protect civil rights protesters, a stark contrast to the current situation where troops are deployed to counter protests (American Progress, 2025).

The Protests: Beyond the Headlines

Television coverage has fixated on dramatic scenes of unrest, including protesters setting Waymo driverless taxis on fire, throwing concrete and fireworks at police on the 101 Freeway, and clashing with law enforcement using tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and rubber bullets (Times Now, 2025; CBS News, 2025). Notable incidents include an Australian journalist being struck by a rubber bullet and a federal officer injured by rocks thrown at law enforcement vehicles (USA Today, 2025; Times Now, 2025). These images, while compelling, do not capture the full scope of the protests.

A few blocks from the confrontations, many protesters are engaging in peaceful demonstrations, gathering at Gloria Molina Grand Park and other locations to support the cause of humane immigration policies. These demonstrators, often carrying signs and flags, are vocal in their opposition to ICE raids and the detention of individuals like union leader David Huerta, arrested during a federal operation on Friday (ABC7, 2025). They explicitly distance themselves from property damage and assaults on law enforcement, focusing instead on dialogue and community solidarity. “We’re here to stand up for our neighbors, not to burn things down,” said one protester, who declined to be named, emphasizing a commitment to non-violence. These quieter gatherings, often overlooked by media outlets chasing sensational footage, highlight a significant portion of the protest movement that prioritizes peaceful assembly over confrontation.

The protests were sparked by ICE operations that began on Friday, June 6, 2025, resulting in over 40 arrests across Los Angeles (CBS News, 2025). Demonstrators, many rallying under the banner of opposing stringent immigration policies, have expressed frustration with what they perceive as heavy-handed federal tactics. The deployment of federal troops, particularly the Marines, has further inflamed tensions, with some protesters arguing that it intimidates citizens exercising their First Amendment right to peaceful assembly (Guardian, 2025).

Federal vs. Local Dynamics

The National Guard and Marines are not in Los Angeles to support the LAPD or protect local residents, a point of contention for state and city officials. Their mission is explicitly to safeguard federal interests, a distinction that underscores the rift between local and federal authorities. Governor Newsom has accused the Trump administration of escalating the situation for political gain, noting that only 300 of the initial 2,000 National Guard troops were actively deployed as of Monday, with the remainder “sitting, unused, in federal buildings” (Guardian, 2025). In response, Newsom announced the deployment of 800 additional state and local police officers to manage confrontations and “clean up President Trump’s mess” (Axios, 2025).

The LAPD’s response has included declaring downtown protests an “unlawful assembly” and using less-lethal measures like tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds (Los Angeles Times, 2025). While these tactics have drawn criticism, particularly after a journalist was injured, Chief McDonnell defended their use as “target-specific munitions,” acknowledging that they do not always hit their intended targets (Guardian, 2025). The department’s ability to manage the protests without federal intervention is a point of pride, with McDonnell and Bass asserting that local resources are sufficient (ABC7, 2025).

Broader Implications

The deployment of Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles marks a rare and controversial use of federal military forces in a domestic civilian context. Critics, including California leaders and veterans’ groups, argue that it undermines democratic principles and risks further alienating communities already distrustful of federal immigration policies (American Progress, 2025). Mayor Bass described Los Angeles as a “test case” for federal overreach, expressing concern about the “fear and terror” felt by residents amid ICE raids and military presence (Guardian, 2025).

As protests continue, with solidarity demonstrations emerging in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, the situation in Los Angeles remains a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration policy and federal authority (Guardian, 2025). The peaceful protesters, often overshadowed by media coverage of violence, continue to advocate for their cause, while the presence of federal troops raises questions about the balance between public safety and civil liberties.

References

ABC News. (2025, June 10). LA immigration protests live updates: Police use less-lethal crowd control as protests continue. https://abcnews.go.com

ABC7. (2025, June 10). 4th day of ICE protests: 700 Marines, 2K more National Guard troops deployed. https://abc7.com

American Progress. (2025, June 9). Trump’s deployment of National Guard to Los Angeles is a dangerous escalation that will inflame tensions. https://www.americanprogress.org

Axios. (2025, June 10). LAPD chief says police had “no formal notification” of Marines’ deployment to LA protests. https://www.axios.com

CBS News. (2025, June 10). Los Angeles immigration enforcement operations set to continue after weekend of protests, National Guard deployment. https://www.cbsnews.com

CNN. (2025, June 10). About 700 Marines being mobilized in response to LA protests. https://www.cnn.com

CNN. (2025, June 10). LA protesters and police in standoff as Trump doubles National Guard deployment. https://www.cnn.com

Guardian. (2025, June 10). Trump sends thousands more troops to LA as mayor says city is being used as an ‘experiment’. https://www.theguardian.com

Guardian. (2025, June 10). Trump LA protest response risks turning US military into political force, veterans warn. https://www.theguardian.com

Independent. (2025, June 10). LA protests live: Trump mobilizes 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines to crack down on anti-ICE unrest. https://www.independent.co.uk

Los Angeles Times. (2025, June 9). What happened during three days of protests over immigration raids in downtown L.A. https://www.latimes.com

Times Now. (2025, June 10). Los Angeles protests rage on: Trump deploys 2000 more National Guard troops, 700 Marines – Top points. https://www.timesnownews.com

USA Today. (2025, June 10). 50 arrests, 600 non-lethal rounds fired: LAPD says they can handle the protests. https://www.usatoday.com