In a move reflecting growing tensions, the U.S. Northern Command confirmed on Monday that about 700 U.S. Marines have been activated in response to the ongoing protests in Los Angeles. These service members, drawn from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines of the 1st Marine Division stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, are joining the National Guard forces already deployed across the greater L.A. area.
The full infantry battalion was placed on alert status over the weekend and is expected to arrive in Los Angeleslocated roughly 220Ā km awaywithin the next 24 hours, according to reports. CNN has noted that deploying an entire Marine battalion marks a significant escalation in President Donald Trump's recent strategy of using military assets as a show of strength against protesters.
Despite their presence, Marines are barred from direct law enforcement duties such as making arrests unless the president invokes the Insurrection Act, which grants federal authority to quell insurrections. To date, Trump has not issued such an order.
California Governor Gavin Newsom took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice strong opposition, calling the move un-American and warning against deploying U.S. military personnel on American soil facing their own countrymen. His press office later clarified that the troops were being transferred between bases, emphasizing a key difference between being mobilized and actively deployed on the streets.
This latest activation follows an extraordinary call on JuneĀ 7 when President Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to respond to immigration protests. More than 300 Guard members arrived early Sunday, clashing with over 1,000 demonstrators during demonstrations against statewide immigration raids.
As Los Angeles braces for the arrival of Marines, the situation raises questions about the role of federal forces in domestic protests and the legal boundaries of military involvement on home soil. For many young global citizens, the developments underscore a broader debate on civil rights, federal power, and the line between security and civic freedom.
Reference(s):
About 700 U.S. Marines being mobilized in response to LA protests
cgtn.com
