The U.S. military is preparing to send approximately 700 Marines to Los Angeles, further expanding the federal military footprint in California after 2,000 National Guard troops were already mobilized over the weekend. The move, announced by U.S. Northern Command on Monday, is part of the Trump administration’s response to escalating protests surrounding immigration enforcement actions.
The newly activated Marine unit comes from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, stationed at Twentynine Palms. Defense officials say these troops will work alongside the already deployed National Guard to safeguard federal buildings and personnel. The Marines are said to be specially trained in de-escalation tactics, crowd control, and appropriate use-of-force protocols.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the deployment in a public post, stating it was in response to heightened threats against federal officers and infrastructure. He also criticized California’s leadership, suggesting the state was failing to uphold law and order.
California’s governor pushed back strongly, condemning the deployment of active-duty Marines as an excessive and inappropriate use of military force against American citizens. A statement from his office described the federal response as a dangerous escalation and warned that the situation could worsen under such pressure.
The tension comes as protests continue in Los Angeles and surrounding areas following high-profile immigration raids. The governor’s administration has called the federal troop deployment illegal and has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop the operation.
The president, however, maintains that the situation demands a forceful response, labeling protestors as dangerous agitators and suggesting that state leaders who interfere should face legal consequences. He even said on Monday he would support arresting the California governor over the matter.
As the legal battle unfolds, the question remains whether the Marines will be stationed on the ground or kept in reserve. The disagreement underscores a growing clash between federal authority and state sovereignty.