Los Angeles protests LIVE: 700 Marines to be deployed to help National Guard amid protests |
Law enforcement and military presence increases in L.A. as protests over immigration raids enter their fourth day.
Introduction:
Tensions are running high in Los Angeles as the U.S. military prepares to deploy around 700 Marines to support local law enforcement. The move follows four consecutive days of protests triggered by recent immigration raids and a broader crackdown on undocumented migrants.
Why Are Marines Being Sent to Los Angeles?
The Pentagon announced on Monday that approximately 700 U.S. Marines will be temporarily stationed in Los Angeles until additional National Guard troops can arrive. This marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s response to the unrest sparked by President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies.
The deployment of active-duty military forces on American soil is rare and usually reserved for major natural disasters or civil unrest of exceptional scale. Officials say the Marines will support crowd control and maintain order until reinforcements from the California National Guard arrive.
Fourth Day of Immigration Protests Turns Tense
On Monday evening, hundreds of demonstrators returned to the streets of downtown L.A., gathering near a federal detention center where undocumented immigrants are reportedly being held.
- Protestors chanted against ICE raids and deportations
- A human barricade was formed by National Guard troops to protect the facility
- The LAPD moved in with “less lethal” munitions including tear gas and rubber bullets
According to an official statement from the Los Angeles Police Department, some protestors began throwing objects at officers. As a result, crowd control tactics were escalated.
“Less lethal munitions may cause pain and discomfort,” the LAPD stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Legal Pushback from California
In a related development, the state of California has filed a legal challenge to block the National Guard deployment, citing concerns about federal overreach and the militarization of civilian spaces. State officials argue that the National Guard’s presence should be limited to non-confrontational roles, especially when dealing with peaceful protests.
Background: What Sparked the Protests?
The protests began after a series of immigration enforcement operations across Southern California over the weekend. Critics claim these raids are part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to ramp up deportations, particularly targeting migrant communities in urban areas.
These events have ignited outrage among civil rights organizations and immigrant advocacy groups, who are calling for an immediate end to the raids and detentions.
Public Reaction and Growing Concern
The escalating military and police presence has sparked alarm among residents, legal experts, and activists who warn that such force could further inflame tensions.
Many protestors say they will continue to demonstrate until immigration raids stop and detainees are released. Civil liberties organizations have also vowed to monitor law enforcement for any potential violations of protestors’ rights.
Conclusion and What Happens Next
With military forces now on the streets of Los Angeles and legal battles heating up, the situation remains highly fluid. The coming days will likely determine whether the protests continue to grow—or whether they begin to subside under mounting pressure.
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