Trump Deploys Marines to LA Amid Immigration Protest Unrest

President Donald Trump has ordered the temporary deployment of 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles as protests intensify over his immigration policies. The move comes after four consecutive days of demonstrations in response to recent immigration raids in Southern California. National Guard forces, initially activated on Saturday, are also being doubled to 4,000 troops, according to the Pentagon.

Protesters gathered outside a federal detention center in downtown LA, chanting for the release of immigrants. Police used tear gas and "less lethal" munitions to disperse crowds after some demonstrators began throwing objects. The LAPD reported minor injuries to five officers and five police horses over the weekend, while several self-driving vehicles were set on fire.

California filed a lawsuit Monday to block the deployment, arguing it violates federal law and state rights. Despite the military presence, the Trump administration has not yet invoked the Insurrection Act, which would allow active-duty troops to enforce civilian law.

Trump defended the escalation, stating it was necessary to prevent further violence. He also supported the idea of arresting California Governor Gavin Newsom for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Newsom’s office condemned the federal response as "unwarranted and unprecedented."

Protests have spread to at least nine other U.S. cities, including New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Trump has criticized Democratic cities for hindering deportation efforts and has pledged to increase arrests of undocumented immigrants to 3,000 per day.

This domestic military deployment is rare and has drawn comparisons to the 1992 LA riots, the last time troops were used for policing under the Insurrection Act. More than 50 people died and $1 billion in damages were reported during that unrest.