The U.S. military deployed approximately 700 Marines to Los Angeles, California, to address escalating protests over President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies. The protests, sparked by widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, have turned violent, prompting federal intervention.
This deployment, alongside 2,100 National Guard troops, marks a significant escalation in the administration’s response to civil unrest. It draws sharp criticism from California officials who have filed a lawsuit to challenge its legality, Politico.
The Ascend protests in Los Angeles began in response to large-scale ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants, part of President Trump’s pledge to conduct record-breaking deportations. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations escalated into violent clashes, with reports of property damage, including anti-ICE graffiti on federal buildings, and confrontations with law enforcement near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, The Guardian. Protesters, including supporters of detained union leader David Huerta, have rallied around Los Angeles City Hall, demanding his release and an end to the raids, Al Jazeera.
BREAKING: The US military is set to temporarily deploy about 700 Marines to Los Angeles while additional National Guard troops arrive in the city, a US official told Reuters, adding that for now the Insurrection Act is not expected to be invoked https://t.co/B9lkI2zluO
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 9, 2025President Trump authorised the deployment of a Marine battalion from Twentynine Palms, California, to Los Angeles on June 9, 2025, to support approximately 2,100 National Guard troops already mobilised. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the Marines’ role is temporary, focused on protecting federal personnel and property, such as the Roybal Federal Building, until additional National Guard forces arrive, NPR. The U.S. Northern Command stated the Marines are trained in de-escalation, crowd control, and rules for using force, ensuring compliance with legal restrictions. The administration has not invoked the Insurrection Act, which would allow troops to engage directly in law enforcement, a move experts like Steve Vladeck note could escalate tensions further, ABC News.
| Force | Number Deployed | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Marines | ~700 | Support National Guard, protect federal property |
| National Guard | ~2,100 | Protect federal personnel and buildings |
The deployment has ignited a fierce political debate. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned it as “an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism,” announcing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing the federalisation of state National Guard troops without his consent is unlawful, according to the Washington Post. Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed this, stating the protests do not constitute a “rebellion” justifying federal intervention, The Guardian.
President Trump defended the deployment, citing the need to prevent violence from spiralling out of control. He controversially suggested that his border czar, Tom Homan, could arrest Newsom for obstructing federal efforts, a statement Newsom called a dangerous precedent, CNBC. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly urged California to focus on prosecuting protesters rather than challenging the deployment, The Guardian.
The US military will temporarily deploy about 700 Marines to #LosAngeles until more National Guard troops can arrive, marking another escalation in @POTUS #DonaldTrump’s response to street protests over his aggressive immigration policies. https://t.co/85anpIytPD pic.twitter.com/2hDed6pOKR
— Arab News (@arabnews) June 10, 2025The deployment’s legal basis rests on Section 12406 of Title 10, which allows the president to mobilise the National Guard for invasion, rebellion, or the inability to execute federal laws. California’s lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, argues that the Los Angeles protests do not meet these criteria, as local authorities can manage the unrest. The suit seeks to declare the deployment unlawful and restore state control over the California National Guard, emphasising the constitutional principle of civil over military rule, CBS News.
The standoff underscores significant divisions regarding immigration policy and the authority of federal and state governments. Trump’s initiative for mass deportations, aiming for at least 3,000 arrests each day, has sparked protests, with Democrats uniting to oppose the administration’s actions.. The use of active-duty Marines for domestic purposes is rare, raising concerns about militarisation and civil liberties, with historical parallels to deployments during the 1992 Los Angeles riots and civil rights era, Reuters.
The Trump administration is also pushing the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes increased border security and military spending but cuts Medicaid and green-energy initiatives, further fueling political tensions Politico.
The deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles on June 9, 2025, underscores a volatile moment in U.S. politics. As protests continue and California’s lawsuit against the Trump administration unfolds, the situation could redefine federal-state dynamics and set precedents for handling civil unrest. The outcome of this legal and political battle will likely influence future immigration enforcement and military involvement in domestic affairs.
