Trump Administration Escalates Military Presence in Los Angeles

President Donald Trump has ramped up the federal military presence in Los Angeles. This involved deploying 4,000 members of the National Guard and ordering the deployment of US Marines. The mobilization follows protests erupting on June 6 due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests of 44 individuals for immigration law violations. This move, which California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, along with other prominent Democratic leaders have criticized as a provocative measure, aimed to quell civil unrest in the city.

The Trump administration defended these deployments by asserting that local authorities were failing to adequately ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel and federal assets. While a state's governor typically initiates the deployment of National Guard forces during a state-level emergency, presidents do have the authority to federalize a state's National Guard. However, this action usually requires the governor's endorsement. Notably, President Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles for these protests occurred without Governor Newsom's approval. Such deployments often become a major point of contention due to the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which generally prohibits the military's involvement in civilian law enforcement.

Local Law Enforcement Concerns and Legal Challenges

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell voiced concerns about the federal deployment. He stated that the LAPD had not received formal notification of the Marines' impending arrival. "The possible arrival of federal military forces in Los Angeles absent clear coordination presents a significant logistical and operational challenge for those of us charged with safeguarding this city." 

Questions have also arisen regarding the actual need for Marines and additional National Guard personnel, particularly as observers noted the initial National Guard troops appeared underutilized. Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds reported from Los Angeles that union-organized protests in the city center on June 9 were peaceful. Reynolds stated that the National Guard members present "did not engage with the protesters. They did not do much of anything other than stand there in their military uniforms."

Due to the ongoing deployment, Governor Newsom announced he was filing a lawsuit against President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, seeking "to end the illegal takeover" of the National Guard. 

Gregory Magarian, Professor of Law, Washington University’s School of Law, highlighted the complex legal hurdles involved in deploying regular armed forces like the Marines. He explained that such an action would typically require President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely used measure that could trigger a "constitutional crisis." While it remains unclear if the Insurrection Act was invoked for the Marine deployment, President Trump activated the National Guard using Title 10 of the United States Code, a similar federal law that allows for active-duty military deployment under extreme conditions. However, Magarian stated the current circumstances are "nowhere near the legal threshold that would justify sending in the marines."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the deployment, asserting via a post on X that Marines were deployed "due to increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings." 

"We have an obligation to defend federal law enforcement officers – even if Gavin Newsom will not." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem affirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, who are leading the immigration arrests, would "continue to enforce the law" despite the ongoing protests.

Protests and Their Scope

Protests began in Los Angeles after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted raids in predominantly Latino neighborhoods on June 6. These operations intensified following President Trump's declared commitment to stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

Protest activity has largely centered in downtown LA, an area police subsequently declared an "unlawful assembly" due to ongoing clashes. Incidents included vehicles being set alight, and police reported protesters using incendiary devices against mounted patrols. Law enforcement, equipped with riot gear, responded by deploying flash-bang grenades and pepper spray to disperse crowds.

The Federal Building downtown became a flashpoint after allegations arose that ICE detainees were being held inside, prompting ICE to claim "over 1,000 rioters" surrounded and attacked the building. 

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported 29 arrests on June 7 and an additional 27 on June 8 in connection with the protests. Separately, in San Francisco, approximately 60 individuals were arrested and three officers were injured during unrest. While protests continued into Monday, with police deploying stun grenades, the level of violence and public presence decreased compared to the weekend.

Mexican Arrests

On June 6, Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, confirmed that 42 Mexican nationals, 37 men and 7 women, had been detained. President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated the Mexican government’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its nationals abroad, regardless of their immigration status. Sheinbaum also condemned the violent incidents that occurred during the demonstrations, including the burning of police vehicles, which she described as “more an act of provocation than of resistance.” She called on the Mexican community in Los Angeles to avoid provocations and to engage only in peaceful protest.