Tensions escalate as Marines deployed to Los Angeles amid protests and political clash
(NBC)- After another night of clashes between protesters and police, President Donald Trump has ordered 700 active-duty Marines to downtown Los Angeles in an effort to stop ongoing violence sparked by recent immigration raids. The Marines join thousands of National Guard troops already deployed—despite vocal opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“I think it would have been a very bad situation. It was heading in the wrong direction. It’s now heading in the right direction,” President Trump said of the decision.
Local leaders, however, are pushing back. Mayor Bass criticized the federal response, calling it an unnecessary and provocative escalation.
“There was no reason for them to be here in the first place. If anything, it was a provocation,” she said.
California officials are now turning to the courts, seeking to end the federal military deployment.
“Trump and Hegseth ignored law enforcement expertise and guidance and trampled over our state’s sovereignty,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The controversy comes amid growing unrest over federal immigration enforcement. Demonstrations erupted over the weekend in response to ICE raids across the city, with chants of “ICE out of L.A.” ringing through the streets. Mayor Bass has called on the administration to halt the raids, citing the trauma they cause in schools and workplaces.
“These raids do not need to take place,” she said. “You are talking about people’s places of work. You’re talking about schools.”
The debate over federal intervention has now reached Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are split along party lines.
“Clearly the state needs help, and the President is sending help,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “Hopefully it’ll bring some peace.” Democrats argue the military response only deepens divisions. “These people have zero credibility on the other side of the aisle when it comes to issues of law and order,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
