Amid protests over the Trump Administration’s immigration raids, around 700 Marines are being deployed to the Los Angeles area to safeguard federal buildings and personnel. This deployment comes after President Trump activated thousands of National Guard members, bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent. The Marines, from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines based in California, represent the first domestic mobilization of Marines in over three decades. The estimated cost of deploying both National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles is $134 million.

While the Marines are not expected to directly engage with protesters, their presence has reignited political tensions and legal debates over federal power limitations. The deployment aims to protect federal facilities and personnel and is coordinated under Task Force 51. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the need to ensure the safety of ICE agents during operations, prompting the deployment of military support.

Newsom strongly criticized the deployment, describing it as unprecedented and unwarranted, filing a lawsuit to block it. The protests began following ICE raids in Los Angeles, leading to clashes with police and demonstrations outside federal buildings. Despite the federal presence, most protests remained peaceful, with calls for an end to immigration raids. However, sporadic confrontations occurred, prompting police to use crowd-dispersal measures.

The federal government justifies the deployment as a precaution against threats to federal personnel and infrastructure, emphasizing the military’s role in deterring violence. Unlike previous instances, Trump has not invoked the Insurrection Act but relies on broader presidential authority to protect federal property. Legal experts debate the lawfulness of the deployment under the Posse Comitatus Act, emphasizing the Marines’ limited role in law enforcement activities.