700 Marines Heading to Los Angeles, Pentagon Confirms Amid Unrest

A U.S. official, speaking under the cloak of anonymity, confirmed on Monday that approximately 700 Marines are preparing for a temporary deployment to Los Angeles. This move comes as additional National Guard troops are anticipated to arrive in the city, in response to ongoing protests sparked by the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.

About 300 National Guard troops from California were deployed to the streets of Los Angeles on Sunday, a move deemed unlawful by Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom. The deployment aims to quell a surge of protests, now in their third day, surrounding the immigration enforcement policies of President Donald Trump.

The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that 500 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines at 29 Palms, California, were prepared to deploy. However, it remains unclear whether the additional 200 Marines also hailed from this location. Notably, despite the increase in military presence, the official stated that the Insurrection Act is not expected to be invoked at this time.

The Marines’ role will not involve direct engagement with protesters. According to reports, their mission will principally be the protection of federal buildings and personnel. The Marines will operate under the U.S. Northern Command and are anticipated to be in Los Angeles by Monday night.

The number of National Guard troops is projected to rise to approximately 2,000 by Wednesday. Until such augmentation, the Marines will be expected to provide support. However, the official cautioned that the situation remains fluid and could change.

This development follows earlier reports that the U.S. military can only perform law enforcement activities within the United States if the Insurrection Act is invoked. Nonetheless, the Pentagon is often summoned to respond to national crises, ranging from border missions to disaster relief, and even health emergencies, as seen in the recent pandemic response.