Pentagon Gives Update on Marines Deployed to LA
By Dan Gooding and Gabe Whisnant
Politics Reporter
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The roughly 700 Marines deployed to the Los Angeles area Monday night remain in training as of Wednesday morning, according to a U.S. Northern Command spokesperson.
It's still unclear when or if they will be sent onto the streets to assist with the ongoing immigration protests, CNN's Natasha Bertrand initially reported Wednesday morning.
"Approximately 700 Marines have deployed to the greater Los Angeles Area," a U.S. Northern Command spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek Wednesday afternoon. "They are still conducting pre-mission training and they have not been employed by Task Force 51, the DoD command element in Los Angeles."
Why It Matters
Marines were called in alongside National Guard troops following unrest that erupted in L.A. around U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the city last week. The move by the White House was challenged by California leaders, who argued local law enforcement had the situation under control.
Anti-ICE protests
Anti-ICE protesters block a military vehicle on June 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Associated Press, Getty Images
What To Know
U.S. Northern Command said Monday that Marines were going to "seamlessly integrate" with other federal forces sent in to protect personnel and federal property in the city. At the time, around 1,900 troops were on the ground.
The Department of Defense (DOD) said the move was necessary after riots began Friday, born out of protests against federal immigration enforcement across L.A.
While much of the protests remained peaceful, the riots saw some cars set on fire and properties damaged. Law enforcement in tactical gear was called in to try to control the situation.
Over 330 people have been arrested in L.A. since Friday, with the city's Democratic Mayor Karen Bass saying those who had been violent and caused damage would be held accountable.
President Donald Trump has taken credit for calming the situation and said that any future demonstrators would be met with "very big force".
Protests against ICE and the Trump administration have taken place in other cities across the U.S. in recent days, including in Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City, with more planned.
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What People Are Saying
The U.S. Northern Command spokesperson, to Newsweek: "No other active-duty Marines have been deployed other locations and cities at this time. Like the National Guard battalion in a Title 10 status, these Marines will protect federal functions, personnel, and property, which includes accompanying federal personnel on missions."
California Governor Gavin Newsom, in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "Donald Trump, without consulting with California's law enforcement leaders, commandeered 2,000 of our state's National Guard members to deploy on our streets. Illegally, and for no reason. This brazen abuse of power by a sitting President inflamed a combustible situation putting our people, our officers, and the National Guard at risk."
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social on Wednesday: "If our troops didn't go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now, just like so much of their housing burned to the ground. The great people of Los Angeles are very lucky that I made the decision to go in and help!!!"
Democratic California Representative Ami Bera, on X: "Anyone who is co-opting these protests to set cars on fire and throw things at police officers must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But there is no reason for there to be more National Guardsmen and Marines deployed in Los Angeles than in Iraq and Syria."
What's Next
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wednesday that the administration was prepared to deploy more troops to L.A. if necessary, telling CNN: "We're not scared to go further".
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