WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the deployment of active-duty U.S. Marines and 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to ongoing protests over recent immigration arrests.
The deployment includes 700 full-time military personnel and thousands of National Guard members, marking a significant escalation on the fourth consecutive day of demonstrations. The protests have taken place in a city known for its large immigrant and Latino population.
President Trump stated that protesters would be “hit harder” than ever before, signaling a firm stance as tensions continue to rise.
The federal action drew swift criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who condemned the move on the social media platform X. Newsom argued that the U.S. military should not be used against American citizens on domestic soil.
The protests, sparked by a series of immigration enforcement actions, have brought renewed attention to the national debate over immigration policy and enforcement.
Authorities are actively monitoring the situation, and local leaders have urged demonstrators to remain peaceful. Community organizers have echoed calls for nonviolence amid the heightened presence of military personnel.