Tensions escalated across Southern California as the fourth consecutive day of mass protests against President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies led to the temporary deployment of 700 U.S. Marine troops in Los Angeles. The Marines, announced as a stopgap measure until more National Guard units arrive, will assist in securing federal facilities amid what is now one of the largest uprisings against the administration’s immigration crackdown.
The protests erupted following the Trump administration’s launch of sweeping deportation raids on Saturday. By Monday evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles, where numerous undocumented immigrants are currently held. Police attempted to disperse the crowd, deploying tear gas and so-called “less-lethal” weapons after claiming protesters began throwing objects at law enforcement personnel.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) stated via social media that the less-lethal munitions are designed to cause pain and discomfort, not fatal injuries. Meanwhile, the California state government has filed a lawsuit against the federal deployment of Marines and National Guard troops, arguing that it violates both the U.S. Constitution and the state’s sovereign rights.
Historically, Marines have only been deployed domestically during catastrophic emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina or following the 9/11 attacks. The use of military personnel for civil unrest is exceedingly rare and, as of now, the Trump administration has stopped short of invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act, which would allow full-scale military involvement in law enforcement activities.
The Pentagon confirmed on Monday that the National Guard presence in Los Angeles will be doubled from 2,000 to 4,000. In a press briefing, President Trump defended his decision by saying, “I saw no other choice. This is to ensure violence doesn’t spiral out of control.” He also backed an inflammatory proposal from his border security advisor Tom Homan, suggesting California Governor Gavin Newsom should be arrested for allegedly obstructing federal immigration policy. “If I were in charge, I’d do it,” Trump remarked. “Great idea.”
Democratic leaders condemned the deployment as an abuse of presidential power and a clear overreach, branding it unlawful and politically motivated. Monday’s protests, the most intense yet, saw several vehicles set ablaze—including a self-driving Waymo car—and clashes with police left five officers and five police horses injured, according to the LAPD.
Chants of “Free them all” echoed outside the detention center as protesters demanded the release of immigrant families. Marjita Serato, a 42-year-old protester born to immigrants from Mexico and Honduras, declared, “This isn’t just about immigrants—this is about every American who wants to live free.”
The demonstrations turned more confrontational as one Trump supporter was punched and pelted with eggs by a group of protestors. Others fired paintballs at the federal building from passing vehicles. Protests also erupted in at least nine other U.S. cities, including New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
The Trump administration blamed Democratic-run cities for obstructing the enforcement of immigration laws and has set a daily target of at least 3,000 arrests of undocumented immigrants. The last time the Insurrection Act was enforced in Los Angeles was during the 1992 Rodney King riots, which resulted in more than 50 deaths and $1 billion in damages.
Under U.S. law, the president may deploy military forces within the country in cases of rebellion, insurrection, or when local authorities are unable or unwilling to enforce the law—circumstances the administration appears to be rapidly approaching.