LA anti-ICE protest: In response to anti-immigration enforcement protests, the Pentagon has confirmed that 700 US Marines are being deployed to Los Angeles. The move comes days after President Donald Trump activated 2,000 National Guard troops, citing violent clashes and law enforcement strain during ongoing demonstrations sparked by immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers across the city.
The Marines, deployed from Camp Pendleton, will support federal personnel and protect federal property in the greater LA area, according to a statement from the US Department of Defense. The deployment is part of Task Force 51, which now comprises 2,100 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines, trained in crowd control, de-escalation, and the use of force.
Trump vs California
President Trump has doubled down on the decision to federalise law enforcement support in LA, claiming that local authorities failed to manage the protests. “We have an obligation to defend federal law enforcement officers—even if Gavin Newsom will not,” said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on X.
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass slammed the federal government’s actions. Newsom described the deployment as a “deranged fantasy” and accused the Trump administration of misusing the military to provoke chaos. “Marines are heroes,” he wrote, “They shouldn’t be deployed on American soil facing their own countrymen to fulfill the fantasies of a dictatorial president. This is un-American.”
Bass, who had earlier asked the administration to withdraw troops, accused Trump of bypassing state consent and escalating the crisis. Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon fired back, calling for Bass’ arrest, stating that sanctuary city policies violate federal law and hinder ICE enforcement.
California sues Trump over National Guard Deployment to LA
The State of California has also filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the constitutionality of the recent deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid widespread protests over immigration raids. Filed in San Francisco federal court, the suit names President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense as defendants.
California Governor Gavin Newsom argues that the President overstepped his authority by activating the state’s National Guard without consent. The suit demands that the deployment order be declared unconstitutional and seeks to restore full control of the California National Guard to the state.
In response, the White House sharply criticised Newsom’s legal move. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly dismissed the lawsuit as “pathetic,” claiming the governor was more interested in political optics than public safety. “Newsom should thank the President for restoring law and order,” she said.
As legal battle intensifies, Newsom maintains the state’s right to self-governance is under threat and warns the federal overreach sets a dangerous precedent for future domestic military action.
LA Police warns of operational challenges with US Marine deployment
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said the sudden arrival of federal Marines presents a “significant logistical and operational challenge”, stressing that the LAPD had not received prior notice. “Our top priority is the safety of both the public and the officers on the ground,” McDonnell said, calling for better inter-agency communication to prevent further confusion and escalation.
Protesters had initially gathered near the Federal Building and on the 101 Freeway overpass, where they had previously thrown projectiles at law enforcement vehicles. Authorities have since declared the area an unlawful assembly, pushing back demonstrators using barriers and a heavy police presence.
National Guard troops are now stationed around federal buildings, while Marine reinforcements are expected to begin patrol rotations within the week. Protesters have been rerouted away from certain zones, though splinter groups continue to form near ICE detention centres and courthouses.
David Huerta released
Meanwhile, David Huerta, president of the California chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), was released on $50,000 bond following his arrest during a demonstration earlier this week. His detention had prompted further protests outside the facility where he was held.
With over 2,800 federal troops now on the ground in Los Angeles, civil rights groups, local officials, and political leaders are bracing for a prolonged standoff. The deployment of Marines for domestic law enforcement—a highly unusual and controversial move—has ignited a fresh round of legal and political battles between California and the Trump administration.