Fourth Day of LA Protests Sees Trump Deploy 2,000 More Guards and 700 Marines to the Streets

Surge in Troops Amid Widespread Unrest

On Monday, President Trump authorized the deployment of approximately 2,000 additional National Guard members along with 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles. The move is a response to protests sparked by recent immigration raids across the city. The newly assigned troops will join the 2,000 National Guard personnel already active in the area—a total force expected to exceed 4,000. However, U.S. officials indicated that it may take a day or two before all forces are fully operational.

Governor Newsom Rejects Federal Intervention

California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly rebuked the decision, calling it reckless, disrespectful to military personnel, and a blatant challenge to the state’s authority. He condemned the deployment as “manufactured chaos” aimed at enhancing the President’s image rather than promoting public safety. Both Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have announced legal action, asserting that federalizing the National Guard without the governor’s approval violates state sovereignty and constitutional limits. Monday marked the first time in six decades that a president mobilized a state’s National Guard against the governor's wishes politico.com+15apnews.com+15thetimes.co.uk+15.

Marines Join Guard Amid Legal Showdown

The Pentagon’s deployment of 700 Marines from Twenty-nine Palms underscores both the federal commitment to securing federal properties and the escalating tension between state and national authorities. While the National Guard and Marines are authorized to protect federal facilities and personnel, they are limited in conducting civilian law enforcement unless the Insurrection Act is invoked time.com.

From ICE Raids to Citywide Protests

The trigger for the unrest was a wave of ICE arrests across Los Angeles, detaining over 40 individuals—among them labor leader David Huerta of SEIU—during workplace raids. The detainment of Huerta fueled the week-long protests, which range from peaceful demonstrations at City Hall to clashes near the downtown federal detention center, where some protesters blocked the 101 Freeway and vandalized autonomous vehicles. Law enforcement responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades wsj.com+1thetimes.co.uk+1.

Peaceful Rallies, Rising Tensions

Monday’s protests began calmly, with thousands of union members and community supporters converging on City Hall. Celebratory chants broke out when David Huerta was released on $50,000 bond. Religious leaders and event organizers worked together to keep the peace as protesters formed human chains and sang in front of significant federal buildings, staging impromptu rallies that turned tense only when National Guard troops moved in welt.de+4thetimes.co.uk+4wsj.com+4.

Federal Police and City Leadership at Odds

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the department’s ability to manage demonstrations but noted the troop deployment—especially Marines appearing without coordination—presented serious logistical challenges. Mayor Karen Bass described the federal response as unnecessary and provocative, urging residents to remain peaceful despite escalating tensions near federal buildings thetimes.co.uk+1nypost.com+1.

A Constitutional Turning Point

At the center of the legal dispute is Title 10 of U.S. law, which was invoked to federalize the National Guard without state approval. Critics argue this violates Constitutional balance—specifically the Tenth Amendment—and established norms. Legal scholars warn this use of executive power, which bypassed standard coordination with California’s governor, sets a dangerous precedent. The last comparable federal intervention occurred in 1965 during the Selma civil rights marches washingtonpost.com+3time.com+3theguardian.com+3.

National Implications of Local Conflict

With court action underway and California officials initiating lawsuits, the outcome could define presidential authority during domestic unrest for years to come. Meanwhile, protests are spreading beyond Los Angeles to surrounding cities such as Whittier and Huntington Park. Families of detained workers have gathered outside warehouses, demanding transparency and the release of loved ones, including manufacturing worker Jacob Vasquez washingtonpost.com.

Looking Ahead

As court battles over troop deployment unfold and protesters remain active across the region, political tensions mount. Trump defends this operation as essential to protecting federal interests, while California officials warn of authoritarian drift. With more demonstrations scheduled throughout Los Angeles County—and potential federal escalation looming—the standoff marks a pivotal moment in debates over federal power, immigration policy, and civilian freedom.