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Emigration and immigration

Deploying Active Duty Marines to LA: A Controversy Unfolds

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Walter Gaskin expressed concern over the deployment of active duty Marines to the Greater Los Angeles area, emphasizing the potential misuse of military talent and the risk of turning trained killers loose on American citizens. Gaskin, a seasoned veteran with decades of experience, highlighted the problematic nature of deploying military personnel in a domestic law enforcement role, citing the possibility of deadly force against US citizens and the limitations of their training and authority.

Key Takeaways:

  • Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Walter Gaskin described the deployment of active duty Marines to LA as a "misuse of the talent and forces," pointing to the potential for deadly force against American citizens.
  • Gaskin noted that the Marines are trained as "killers" and that separating them from their usual hostile rules of engagement is problematic in a domestic law enforcement context.
  • The Marines, numbering 700, are not authorized to make arrests or detain individuals, raising concerns about their role in protecting federal property and personnel.
  • Gaskin characterized the deployment as "extreme overkill," citing the already substantial presence of National Guard troops (4,000) and local law enforcement agencies in the area.
  • He also expressed concerns about the potential for casualties and the challenges of de-escalating conflicts with the presence of active duty military personnel.
  • Gaskin emphasized the importance of restraint and following established rules of engagement, cautioning against the misuse of military capabilities in a domestic context.
  • He advised a Marine seeking guidance on the mission to follow the motto "ours is not to reason why, but to do or die," emphasizing the importance of following orders.

Statistics:

  • 700 active duty Marines have been deployed to the Greater Los Angeles area.
  • 4,000 National Guard troops are also present in the area.
  • The local police department and sheriff's department in Los Angeles have a total of X number of officers.
  • The original disturbance was reportedly about 400 individuals.

Sources:

  • Mary Louise Kelly, NPR, "Marines Arrive in LA Amid Protests Over ICE Immigration Raids"
  • NPR, "Marines Deployed To LA Amid Protests Over ICE Immigration Raids"
  • Retired Marine Lt. Gen. Walter Gaskin's comments during the NPR interview on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.

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