The U.S. military is set to temporarily deploy about 700 Marines to Los Angeles while additional National Guard troops arrive in the city, a U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Reuters on Monday. The deployment comes as the city enters its fourth day of protests over President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies.
Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon and White House via email on Monday for comment.
What It Matters
The Trump administration has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history and has conducted numerous Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, some of which have swept up individuals with proper documentation.
Trump announced on Saturday evening that he had authorized the mobilization of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after reported violence against law enforcement, specifically, ICE agents carrying out deportation raids in the city.
While the raids are following legal directive from federal authorities, protests have erupted amid reports that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE denied these allegations, with a spokesperson previously telling Newsweek the agency “categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles.”
Early on, some protesters threw rocks at officers, with one allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail, and burning items in the streets. Police responded with tear gas.
The clashes highlight deepening conflicts between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy, as Trump has implemented sweeping changes through executive orders and utilized the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand deportation authority.
BLAKE FAGAN/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
About 300 California National Guard troops were already deployed to Los Angeles streets on Sunday, a move Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom called unlawful. The anonymous U.S. official confirmed to Reuters that a Marine battalion would be sent to provide support, though the Insurrection Act is not expected to be invoked at this time.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to deploy active-duty Marines over the weekend “if violence continues,” while California National Guard troops from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team arrived on Sunday with long guns and armored vehicles.
The National Guard presence is expected to expand dramatically, with troop numbers projected to reach 2,000 by Wednesday. Until then, the 700 Marines will provide interim support, though their specific duties remain unclear, according to the Reuters source.
The official emphasized that the situation remains fluid and could change rapidly. While the U.S. military cannot perform law enforcement activities inside the United States without invoking the Insurrection Act, the Pentagon frequently responds to national crises ranging from border missions to disaster relief and health emergencies.
The deployment follows established precedent for military domestic assistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, the U.S. military established temporary hospitals to support civilian healthcare systems.
Newsom said on Monday the state will be suing the Trump administration over its National Guard deployment.
What People Are Saying
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: “We will always protect the constitutional right for Angelenos to peacefully protest. However, violence, destruction and vandalism will not be tolerated in our City and those responsible will be held fully accountable.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X on Sunday: “I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command. We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty—inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on X on Sunday after mocking a post from Newsom: “Deranged = allowing your city to burn & law enforcement to be attacked. There is plenty of room for peaceful protest, but ZERO tolerance for attacking federal agents who are doing their job. The National Guard, and Marines if need be, stand with ICE.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta in a press release on Monday: “Let me be clear: There is no invasion. There is no rebellion. The President is trying to manufacture chaos and crisis on the ground for his own political ends. Federalizing the California National Guard is an abuse of the President’s authority under the law – and not one we take lightly. We’re asking a court to put a stop to the unlawful, unprecedented order.”
President Donald Trump in a post on Truth Social on Monday: “We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to deal with the violent, instigated riots in California. If we had not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated.”
Nick Ut/Getty Images
What Happens Next?
Although Newsom has called for the National Guard troops to be returned to California’s control, the Trump administration has not said they plan to do so. It’s unclear how long the National Guard will stay in Los Angeles.
