LOS ANGELES –
Approximately 700 US Marines are preparing to join National Guard troops on the
streets of Los Angeles, as federal immigration crackdowns spark widespread
protests across the United States and ignite a fierce legal battle between the
Trump administration and California.
The deployment, ordered by
President Donald Trump over the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom, marks a
significant escalation in the federal response to protests ignited by
aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the city.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced federal
officers have already arrested more than 1,500 people, claiming the department
has identified "tens of thousands of targets" in the region.
Noem Vows Escalation, Senator Ejected
Speaking at a Los Angeles news
conference, Noem defended the deployment of Marines alongside thousands of
National Guard troops and federal agents, stating the operation to
"liberate" Los Angeles would intensify. "We have more assets
now, today, than we did yesterday. We had more yesterday than we did the day
before... This is only going to continue and be increased until we have peace
on the streets," Noem declared, asserting Trump has the authority to
"utilize every authority that he has."
The conference turned contentious
when US Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed while attempting to
speak. His office stated he was subsequently pushed to the ground and
handcuffed before being released, an incident condemned by fellow Democrats.
Federal vs. State: Legal Showdown Looms
California is urgently seeking a
federal court order to block troops from "patrolling the streets of Los
Angeles," restricting them solely to protecting federal personnel and
property. The state's lawsuit, to be filed later today, ultimately aims to
rescind Trump's deployment order for the National Guard.
California argues in court
filings that the federal government has already violated the law, specifically
the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act limiting military involvement in civilian law
enforcement. The state cited social media images showing heavily armed National
Guard members alongside ICE agents during arrests. "Unless a judge
intervenes," California warned, the military role risks expanding to
include "detention, interrogation, and other activities...
indistinguishable from urban policing."
The Trump administration
countered in its own filing, denying any illegal activity: "Neither the
National Guard nor the Marines are engaged in law enforcement. Rather, they are
protecting law enforcement, consistent with longstanding practice."
Major-General Scott Sherman, commanding the task force, stated Marines would
carry live ammunition but not load it in their rifles.
Protests Spread Nationwide, Governors Mobilize
Protests against the raids and
the military deployment, largely peaceful but sporadically violent, have spread
beyond Los Angeles to cities including New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and
San Antonio. The DHS crackdown and Trump's rhetoric are mobilizing opposition
nationwide.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott
deployed over 5,000 National Guard troops and 2,000 state police, citing the
need to prevent "lawlessness" seen in LA, though San Antonio and
Austin mayors stated they did not request the troops. Missouri Governor Mike
Kehoe also activated his state's National Guard proactively "in response
to civil unrest," vowing to respect peaceful protest but not tolerate
violence.
Trump's Parade and Mounting Opposition
The Los Angeles deployment
coincides with a planned massive military parade in Washington D.C. on Saturday
– Trump's 79th birthday – celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary. Featuring
tanks and armored vehicles rolling down Constitution Avenue, the event is set
against a backdrop of nearly 2,000 planned protest rallies across the country,
forming one of the largest anti-Trump demonstrations since his return to
office.
Trump touted the LA deployment on
social media: "Los Angeles was safe and sound for the last two nights. Our
great National Guard, with a little help from the Marines, put the LA Police in
a position to effectively do their job." However, state and city officials
maintain Trump is exaggerating the threat and that local police had the
situation under control before federal intervention.
DHS Expands Scope, Questions Raised
Adding another layer, Secretary
Noem revealed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is investigating potential
financial links between the protests and political advocacy groups, despite
scant public evidence provided so far.
The core conflict revolves around
Trump's aggressive fulfillment of immigration enforcement promises, employing
military assets in a domestic context that critics argue dangerously blurs
lines and violates legal safeguards. As Marines take positions in LA and tanks
prepare to roll in DC, the nation braces for a weekend of heightened tension,
widespread protest, and a pivotal court decision on the limits of presidential
power in deploying troops on American streets.
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