Marines to Hit Los Angeles Streets as ICE Raids Trigger Public Unrest

Federal Troops Join National Guard Amid Rising Tensions

Federal officials are preparing to deploy U.S. Marines onto the streets of Los Angeles within two days. They will serve alongside the National Guard with orders to protect ICE agents conducting immigration raids and to detain individuals who obstruct enforcement operations or confront federal personnel.

Federal Deployment Sparks Legal and Political Battle

President Trump authorized this military presence despite strong objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom. State authorities argue the deployment violates federal law by using the military in domestic affairs without just cause. California has filed a lawsuit seeking a court order to prevent National Guard or Marine involvement, citing a lack of threat from foreign invasion or rebellion—conditions required for Title 10 military deployment. A hearing is scheduled this Thursday in federal court in San Francisco.

The federal government contends the president has discretion to deploy forces in response to "danger of rebellion," framing marchers and protesters as potential agitators.

Protests Erupt in Multiple U.S. Cities

Since a wave of ICE raids in Los Angeles last Friday, protest activity has grown across the nation. In downtown Los Angeles, scuffles occurred during a nighttime curfew zone, with demonstrators using fireworks and rocks, and police responding with less-lethal munitions. One protester shared, “Our human rights are being violated every day… We have to stand our ground here in L.A.”

Protests have spread to cities including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Santa Ana, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Seattle, Boston, Washington D.C., and San Antonio. In New York City, police reported hundreds of arrests linked to demonstration-related unrest.

Marines Under Title 10 Restrictions, Armed But Non‑Lethal

Plans call for 700 Marines, trained in crowd control and de-escalation, to arrive soon. Classified as Title 10 forces, these troops are prohibited from staffing civilian police roles but may temporarily detain people who pose a threat to federal personnel. According to defense officials, Marines will be armed with live ammunition but not using it in a law enforcement capacity—though less-lethal methods will be available.

Escalation Elicits Bitter Political Division

Governor Newsom and California’s legal team view the deployment as an unlawful and unnecessary provocation. Newsom is pushing back through the courts, calling the move unconstitutional and beyond federal authority. On the other hand, White House officials argue the actions are essential to enforce deportation policies and quell potential unrest.

With protests expected to escalate—including potential demonstrations around June 14, coinciding with President Trump’s birthday and the military’s 250th Army anniversary—Los Angeles is bracing for continued tension. The use of federal troops in civilian spaces raises fundamental questions about constitutional limits and the balance between security and civil liberties. As the legal challenge unfolds and protests gain momentum, the city confronts an uncertain and potentially explosive crossroads.