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United States. Army. National Guard

US Marines to be Deployed in Los Angeles Amid Protests Over Immigration Raids

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hundreds of active-duty US Marines are set to be deployed in Los Angeles, making good on Donald Trump's threat to send more troops to the city to quash protests against government immigration raids and deportations. The deployment comes despite a relatively quiet day of protests in the city, with a US official stating that the Marines would be sent "temporarily" to protect federal property and facilities. This move is seen as a response to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency's raids, which have sparked three days of protests in Los Angeles.

Key Takeaways:

  • A battalion of 700 Marines, reportedly from the Twentynine Palms base in southern California, will be deployed in Los Angeles, despite a relatively quiet day of protests.
  • The Marines will be tasked with a support role, helping law enforcement only, and will be protecting federal property and facilities.
  • Trump has stated that he would not hesitate to send more troops if needed, to maintain law and order in the city.
  • California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, has called Trump's deployment of national guard troops "an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism".
  • The state of California will file a lawsuit against the Trump administration for "unlawfully" federalizing the state's national guard and deploying its troops to quell the protests.
  • Some veterans have criticized Trump's decision to deploy national guard troops, warning that it risked turning the traditionally neutral US military into a partisan political force.

Statistics:

  • 700 Marines will be deployed in Los Angeles
  • 2,000 national guard troops were already deployed in Los Angeles on Saturday
  • 300 national guard troops were already in Los Angeles on Monday, with the remainder set to arrive by Wednesday
  • The deployment of national guard troops is expected to cost the US military around $10 million per day

Sources:

  • Reuters: "US to send 700 Marines to Los Angeles to quell protests"
  • NBC News: "US Marines to be deployed in Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids"
  • White House: "President Trump's comments on deployment of national guard troops"
  • Los Angeles Times: "California's Democratic governor calls Trump's deployment of national guard troops 'authoritarian'"
  • The Guardian: "Veterans criticize Trump's decision to deploy national guard troops"

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