The Trump administration has mobilized 700 Marines from Twentynine Palms, Calif., to Los Angeles in response to protests against immigration enforcement operations. U.S. Northern Command confirmed that the infantry battalion is on alert status and will collaborate with the National Guard to protect federal personnel and property in the area. This mobilization does not invoke the Insurrection Act, despite President Trump’s characterization of protesters as “insurrectionists.” Trump mentioned that while the situation in California was not quite an insurrection, it had the potential to escalate in that direction.

The deployment of Marines coincided with California suing the Trump administration over the National Guard deployment, with Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta citing violations of the 10th Amendment. Trump defended his decision on Truth Social, stating that Los Angeles would face destruction without the Guard’s presence. The White House also mentioned the possibility of using active-duty armed forces to support federal functions and property protection, similar to the Guard’s role.

In total, the administration has deployed 2,000 Guard personnel to Los Angeles. The situation remains tense as clashes between law enforcement and protesters persist, highlighting the ongoing debate over the use of military forces in civil unrest scenarios.