The Pentagon has announced the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in a controversial move to reinforce National Guard troops amid ongoing protests against ICE immigration raids. The decision comes after President Donald Trump ordered an additional 2,000 National Guard members to the city, drawing strong backlash from state and local leaders.
The protests, now in their fourth day, were triggered by reports that immigrants were misled by false invitations to hearings—only to be detained upon arrival. Demonstrators accuse ICE of targeting long-time residents and splitting families apart.
Why Are the Protests Happening?
Protesters cite growing fear in immigrant communities over family separations, racial profiling, and allegedly deceptive enforcement tactics. One protester told Sky News:
“A lot of my people are getting taken away. We’ve lived here all our lives.”
Another described being hit by rubber bullets during police clashes.
The unrest reflects mounting frustration with the immigration policies of Trump’s second administration, especially in heavily immigrant-populated areas like Los Angeles.
Political and Legal Fallout
California’s Democratic leadership quickly condemned the federal deployment. Governor Gavin Newsom labeled it an “invasion,” while Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a new lawsuit against the Trump administration—the 24th legal challenge in just 19 weeks.
“It’s not normal to have a president who violates the law so blatantly,” Bonta said during a press conference.
Local Leaders Raise Concerns
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed alarm over what she called “federal overreach,” warning the city was being used as a test case for extreme immigration enforcement.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell cited logistical confusion as a growing concern:
“We’ve had no coordination with the Marine units. This is a public safety risk.”
Community Disruption and Allegations
Protests have disrupted public transport, local businesses, and schools, though tensions slightly eased on June 9. Community advocate David Cruz, of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), accused ICE of entrapment, saying:
“People were lured to hearings that didn’t exist. That’s not law enforcement—it’s deception.”
ICE has not commented publicly but has confirmed internal investigations into the reported tactics.
What Happens Next?
With the military presence now expanded in a major American city, Los Angeles remains in a state of heightened alert. Civic groups are calling for federal restraint, and legal observers expect court rulings within days on California’s emergency injunction.
Anyone with footage or reports of misconduct during the raids or protests is urged to share with local authorities or independent watchdog groups.
