US Marines have moved into Los Angeles, will protect federal building, official says

 

US Marines have moved into Los Angeles, will protect federal building, official says Amid ongoing protests and civil unrest in Los Angeles, U.S. Marines have been deployed to help secure federal property, specifically the Wilshire federal building. According to a military official, approximately 200 Marines have arrived so far, with plans for more to follow. U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to assist in protecting federal officials and property as protests against immigration enforcement and federal actions continue into their second week. The protests are the strongest since Trump’s return to power in January 2025. Major General Scott Sherman, who commands the military task force in Los Angeles, stated that while troops are on the ground, they have yet to detain anyone, but they are authorized to do so if individuals threaten federal personnel or property until law enforcement can make arrests.

The possibility remains that Trump could invoke the Insurrection Act, which would permit active-duty soldiers to participate directly in law enforcement activities if needed. The deployment follows similar actions during the 2020 wave of nationwide protests over racial justice, when over 17,000 National Guard troops were activated across 23 states. Cities across the U.S. are preparing for increased demonstrations, especially on Saturday, including protests against a planned military parade in Washington. So far, most protests have been peaceful but have occasionally seen violence within restricted areas.

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