President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, emphasized the need to deploy Marines to Los Angeles to address ongoing immigration protests, despite local officials expressing uncertainty about their presence. Homan highlighted the importance of being proactive in handling potential violence during the protests, citing the protection of government property and officers’ lives as key priorities. The decision-making process behind mobilizing Marines was not disclosed by the Trump administration.
Over the weekend, Trump made a significant move by deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles without a governor’s request or invoking the Insurrection Act. Additionally, over 700 Marines were mobilized to respond to the protests in the city. While discussions about using military domestically occur daily within the administration, Homan clarified that he is not directly involved in talks about invoking the Insurrection Act.
Homan expressed hopes that deploying the military to other US cities facing protests against ICE operations would not become a norm. He emphasized the importance of peaceful protests and redirected criticism towards Congress, stating that ICE is simply enforcing laws. Despite Trump’s remarks about arresting Governor Gavin Newsom, Homan stated that Newsom had not done anything to warrant arrest.
In conclusion, Homan affirmed that ICE operations would persist in Los Angeles and nationwide to enforce immigration laws, underscoring their continuous presence in cities across the country.
