700 Marines Deployed to Support LA Protests: What You Need to Know

More than 700 Marines from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in California are heading to Los Angeles to support the ongoing protests. They join around 1,700 National Guard members activated by President Trump. This mobilization happened without permission from California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, or LA’s mayor.

This deployment represents a significant shift in how the military engages with domestic protests. The exact tasks for the Marines are still unclear, but they are expected to assist the National Guard. Typically, military personnel don’t enforce laws at home unless the president invokes the Insurrection Act, allowing them to intervene in civil unrest.

The Marines belong to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, and are there to enhance security alongside the National Guard. The U.S. Northern Command indicated that their role includes providing coverage for federal agencies in the area. However, the imagery of Marines patrolling American streets raises concerns about the militarization of domestic issues, harking back to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, when the military was last deployed in a similar manner.

While they are not typically authorized to make arrests, their presence might help control crowds or secure perimeters. Guidelines for the use of force are under review, but they are expected to align with existing military protocols.

Governor Newsom has expressed deep concern, calling this rise in military presence "unwarranted" and "unprecedented." He emphasizes the difference between "deployment" and "mobilization," suggesting that the military’s involvement in civil matters should be limited.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell has urged for clear communication between agencies to ensure safety and avoid escalation during this critical time. He stated that open lines of communication are essential for managing large protests effectively.

The national conversation surrounding this mobilization shows a divide, with some seeing it as necessary for public safety, while others view it as an overreach of military power. The public reaction is mixed, reflecting broader concerns about how authorities handle protests and demonstrate community engagement.

For a deeper understanding of military involvement in domestic affairs, read more here.

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