US Marines Deployed to Los Angeles Amid Immigration Raids, Protests

Hundreds of U.S. Marines have arrived in the Los Angeles area under orders from former President Donald Trump, escalating tensions over a week-long wave of protests against sweeping federal immigration raids.

The controversial deployment, which includes roughly 700 Marines stationed at a staging area in Seal Beach, comes alongside the activation of 4,000 National Guard troops. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from California leaders, who argue the use of military force against mostly peaceful demonstrators is excessive, unlawful, and politically motivated.

State officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, condemned the federal response. “Active-duty troops should only be used in the gravest domestic crises, and this isn’t one of them,” the senators said in a joint statement. Meanwhile, the state has filed a lawsuit to halt the federal deployment, citing potential violations of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act.

Protests have persisted across Los Angeles since the Trump administration launched an aggressive immigration crackdown last Friday. Demonstrators have gathered daily outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, where many detainees are held. While most protests remain peaceful, sporadic violence and looting have been reported, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to consider a curfew in parts of downtown.

Law enforcement officers have used less-lethal munitions to disperse crowds, leading to more than 180 arrests since the weekend. Overhead, helicopters circled as officers stood ready with batons. Nearby business owners expressed support for the peaceful protesters, even as they cleaned up graffiti and debris from the streets.

“I support the cause. They’re standing up for the Latino community,” said Frank Chavez, a local office manager. “But those resorting to vandalism are hurting the message.”

In a speech at Fort Bragg, Trump defended the military presence, framing the protests as a threat to national sovereignty. “What’s happening in California is an assault on public order, led by rioters waving foreign flags,” he declared. Trump has long made immigration enforcement a central focus of his political platform.

Homeland Security reports a surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, with 2,000 arrests per day in recent operations — a significant increase from the average under the Biden administration. Photos posted online show National Guard troops accompanying ICE officers on recent raids.

Military officials stated the Marines will not engage in arrests but will protect federal property and personnel. However, state leaders worry this could lead to direct involvement in law enforcement operations — potentially violating legal boundaries.

Elsewhere in the country, demonstrations have spread to cities like Chicago, where police clashed with protesters and made arrests. Participants nationwide have echoed similar messages: opposition to ICE raids and solidarity with immigrants.

“Even if they send troops or dogs, we’ll keep showing up,” said 24-year-old protester Marquise Howard at a Los Angeles rally.

Trump has hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act, a rarely used legal tool that would allow military forces to take direct action in civilian law enforcement — a move that would further inflame an already volatile situation.