The Pentagon has announced the conclusion of the deployment of approximately 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles. The Marines were initially sent to safeguard federal property and personnel amid protests linked to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. This decision comes after a recent move to withdraw about half of the 4,000 National Guard troops that were also dispatched to Los Angeles.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that with the situation in Los Angeles stabilizing, the Secretary has ordered the redeployment of the 700 Marines, emphasizing that their presence communicated a clear message against lawlessness.
President Trump had deployed the Marines and California National Guard troops to Los Angeles in defiance of Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections, aiming to quell protests triggered by immigration enforcement actions. Despite legal challenges, a U.S. appeals court allowed Trump to retain control over California’s National Guard.
The deployment of troops in Los Angeles sparked a national conversation on the military’s role on domestic soil and heightened political tensions in the city.
The Pentagon defended the deployment, highlighting the Marines’ rapid response, discipline, and presence in restoring order and upholding the rule of law.
President Trump’s administration has been actively pursuing immigration enforcement, including deportations and workplace raids, leading to legal battles nationwide. The administration has increasingly relied on military involvement in its immigration initiatives.
Aside from the deployment in Los Angeles, a significant number of active-duty troops have been sent to the U.S.-Mexico border, and military zones have been established in the border region. These zones are designed to enable the administration to utilize troops for migrant detention without invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act, which authorizes the deployment of the military to address civil disturbances.