Hundreds of U.S. Marines arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday following President Donald Trump's order to quell protests sparked by recent immigration raids. The move comes as the city entered its fifth consecutive day of demonstrations and Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew in a one-square-mile area of downtown. Police arrested 197 protesters, bringing the total to over 400 since Saturday.
Trump also deployed 4,000 National Guard troops despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who labeled the action unnecessary and politically driven. Approximately 700 Marines are staged in Seal Beach awaiting assignments. Trump defended the action during a speech at Fort Bragg, describing the protests as an attack on public order, citing demonstrators waving foreign flags.
Homeland Security reports a spike in arrests, with ICE detaining 2,000 immigrants daily, compared to the 311 daily average under the Biden administration. Protesters continue to rally in support of migrant communities, with similar demonstrations erupting in Chicago.
Mayor Bass urged restraint and distinguished between peaceful protesters and violent agitators after 23 businesses were looted Monday night. California officials, including Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, condemned the military deployment. Attorney General Rob Bonta warned that using military to assist ICE may violate the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
The Trump administration hinted at using the Insurrection Act, which would permit the military to enforce laws directly. ICE shared images of National Guard troops accompanying agents, intensifying fears about military overreach. While Marines cannot make arrests, they are positioned to protect federal assets as Trump vows to "liberate Los Angeles" amid the ongoing immigration crackdown.