Crowds gathered in downtown Los Angeles on June 9, 2025, to protest against federal immigration raids. REUTERS
The Trump administration has sent 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles. They arrived late Monday or early Tuesday. Their goal is to help federal agents control large protests. These protests began after immigration raids targeted undocumented people.
Officials plan to bring 4,000 National Guard troops later. The Marines will stay until then. Local leaders in California didn’t ask for military help and strongly opposed the move. They believe this decision increases tension and isn’t needed.
More Raids, More Protests
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said immigration raids would continue. She even promised more operations in the coming days. These raids have led to strong backlash. People gathered across Los Angeles, shouting for the release of immigrants held in detention.
Some carried flags from Mexico and Central America. Many chanted “free them all” and protested peacefully. Others clashed with police, who fired tear gas and other non-lethal weapons.
Leaders React Strongly
California Governor Gavin Newsom said Trump crossed a line. He believes using military force against protests is dangerous and illegal. California filed a lawsuit to block the troop deployment. Trump responded by saying Newsom should be arrested for standing in the way of immigration laws.
Senator Jack Reed said the military should never be used this way. He warned that it could turn a tense situation into a full crisis. “We do not want the military to do police work,” he said.
Unrest in Other Cities Too
Protests spread to nine more cities, including New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. In Texas, people protested in Austin, where police arrested several and used force to break up the crowd. People nationwide expressed concern about the way the government is treating immigrants.
In Los Angeles, protesters gathered outside a detention center. Some threw insults at police. Police responded by using flash bangs and tear gas to push them away. Tourists nearby took shelter inside hotels. Residents watched the chaos from balconies.
Use of Military Raises Questions
Sending Marines into American cities is rare. In the past, military forces helped after disasters like 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina. But using them during civil protests is unusual. The last time this happened was in 1992, during the LA riots.
Trump didn’t use the Insurrection Act this time. But he still claimed authority as commander in chief. Newsom said this move was a step toward authoritarian rule. Trump, on the other hand, praised officials for taking strong action.
High Number of Arrests
Immigration agents have arrested around 2,000 people each day recently. That number is much higher than the average under former President Biden. Secretary Noem said they would increase efforts even more if the protests continue.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass opposed the crackdown. “This is a city of immigrants,” she said. Noem disagreed, saying, “They are not a city of immigrants. They’re a city of criminals.”
