Federal Troops Standby Amid Rising Unrest in Los Angeles
Law enforcement and military personnel have been mobilized in response to ongoing protests in Los Angeles, sparked by recent immigration enforcement actions. The federal government has deployed approximately 700 Marines, while National Guard troops remain under federal control.
Arrests Follow Enforcement and Curfew
Protests that began last Friday in Los Angeles have resulted in nearly 200 arrests. Most occurred before a nighttime curfew took effect across parts of downtown. Authorities are working to identify additional individuals involved in violent acts during the demonstrations.
- Charges have been filed against two men accused of using Molotov cocktails during the protests.
- If convicted, both face up to 10 years in federal prison.
- Law enforcement continues to review video and body camera footage to identify more suspects.
National Guard Orders May Extend Beyond California
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that President Trump’s decision to federalize National Guard troops could set a precedent for broader deployment in other states. He noted that the order was intentionally wide-ranging, allowing troops to be positioned wherever federal functions are perceived to be at risk.
“If there are other riots in places where law enforcement officers are threatened, we would have the capability to surge National Guard there,” Hegseth told lawmakers.
Approximately 2,000 troops have been placed under federal control, though exact locations for future deployments have not been disclosed.
Marines Await Orders Near Los Angeles
While the Marines have been activated, officials confirm they are still undergoing training and are not yet engaged in public operations. Their intended role is to protect federal personnel and property if local authorities are overwhelmed.
Broader Impact Across the U.S.
Protests are spreading to other major cities, including:
- New York City: Large gatherings have remained mostly peaceful, but clashes emerged near federal buildings.
- Chicago: Demonstrations escalated into confrontations with police.
- Austin and San Antonio: Law enforcement responded to crowd control issues; Texas officials are preparing additional National Guard deployments.
- Washington, D.C. and others: Additional demonstrations are scheduled throughout the week.
Intelligence Officials Dispute Foreign Involvement
During testimony, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine stated he had seen no evidence of state-sponsored interference in the ongoing unrest. This contrasts with some federal claims suggesting possible foreign links to criminal gangs operating within the U.S.
