By Ethan Caldwell 
The Trump administration has escalated its response to ongoing protests in Los Angeles against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids by mobilizing approximately 700 U.S. Marines from Twentynine Palms and an additional 2,000 National Guard troops, bringing the total federal and Guard presence to nearly 5,000. The deployment, which began on Monday, aims to protect federal personnel and property following violent clashes that have marked the city’s unrest since Friday.
Protests erupted in response to ICE operations targeting undocumented immigrants, resulting in over 100 arrests at workplaces across Southern California. The demonstrations, centered in downtown Los Angeles and Compton, have seen significant unrest, including arson, highway blockades on the 101 Freeway, and clashes with law enforcement, with 42 arrests reported for charges including assault on police and attempted murder. Tear gas and rubber bullets have been used to disperse crowds, and videos circulating online show torched vehicles and damaged federal buildings.
President Donald Trump, citing a “rebellion or danger of rebellion” against federal authority, authorized the initial deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops over the weekend without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, marking the first such unilateral action in six decades. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the mobilization of Marines from Camp Pendleton, stating they are on “high alert” to support ICE and local police in restoring order. However, the Marines’ role remains limited under the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits federal troops from engaging in civilian law enforcement unless explicitly authorized.
Governor Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, calling the National Guard deployment “unlawful” and a violation of state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment. Newsom described the mobilization of Marines as “dictatorial” and “unwarranted,” asserting that local law enforcement, led by Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, is capable of managing the protests. Mayor Karen Bass echoed these concerns, labeling the federal intervention a “chaotic escalation” and arguing that the city was peaceful before the ICE raids began.
“President Trump’s actions are an overreach that inflames tensions and undermines our state’s authority,” Newsom said in a statement. “We are suing to return control of our National Guard and protect the rights of Californians to protest peacefully.”
The Trump administration defends the deployments, with ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons condemning the “appalling” attacks on federal officers, noting that over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal building on Friday. Trump warned on Truth Social that protesters who disrespect National Guard members will face severe consequences, further escalating tensions.
While Monday’s protests saw moments of calm, with thousands rallying peacefully at City Hall, the deployment of federal troops has sparked widespread criticism. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups have organized demonstrations across cities like San Francisco, New York, and Chicago, calling for an end to ICE raids. California leaders warn that Los Angeles is being used as a “test case” for federal overreach, raising fears of further militarization.
The Pentagon has clarified that the Marines are mobilized to support, not supplant, local law enforcement, with deployment expected within 24 hours. As protests continue into their fourth day, the nation watches closely as legal and political battles unfold alongside the unrest in Los Angeles.
Andreas Lundberg