U.S. Marines have arrived in Los Angeles amid rising tensions over protests that have sometimes turned violent. The Trump administration is sending 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to help protect federal buildings and immigration agents as unrest spreads. However, there is confusion about where these forces will be stationed and what their specific roles will be.
Local law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about the lack of coordination between the Marines and police. This situation is different from previous instances when federal troops were deployed, such as during the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death and the 1992 riots. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) believes it is better equipped to handle the protests without federal assistance, especially since most of the unrest has been concentrated in a small area of downtown.
Police have ramped up arrests and are considering a nightly curfew in some neighborhoods. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the presence of federal military forces without clear coordination poses a significant challenge. He emphasized that the LAPD and its partners have years of experience managing public demonstrations and are confident in their ability to maintain order.
Mayor Karen Bass voiced her concerns about the fear these federal actions create in the community, saying it is unfair to instill such anxiety in a population trying to survive. Local police have long maintained that they will not enforce immigration laws, leading to limited information about federal operations.
There have been reports of federal raids since last week, with hundreds detained. However, the exact number of arrests remains unclear, with immigrant rights advocates estimating around 300 people have been taken into custody. Angelica Salas, a leader in immigrant rights, described the situation as one of terror for the community.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. Officials have suggested that military troops might take a more active role in protests, which has raised alarms among local leaders. A military official clarified that the Marines would not have arrest powers and would focus solely on protecting buildings.
In recent days, protests have led to clashes with law enforcement, resulting in vandalism and property damage. Some businesses have been targeted, and there have been instances of looting. While some protests have remained peaceful, others have escalated into violence.
As tensions continue, local leaders urge calm and express frustration with the federal response. They worry that the current approach may only exacerbate the situation and further divide the community. The unfolding events in Los Angeles highlight the ongoing struggle over immigration policies and the role of law enforcement in managing civil unrest.