Pentagon Deploys 700 Marines, Doubles National Guard Amid Immigration Protests; California Sues Trump Administration
The Pentagon has mobilized 700 Marines and significantly increased National Guard presence in Los Angeles following escalating protests against federal immigration enforcement. The Marines are expected to arrive by Tuesday morning, joining hundreds of National Guard troops already deployed in the city.
The move comes after days of demonstrations targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, with activists demanding an end to deportations and the abolition of the agency. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement have intensified, prompting the Trump administration to authorize additional military support.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines as an "overreach of federal power." Newsom accused the administration of militarizing the state without proper coordination, calling the move "an unnecessary escalation that risks civilian safety."
The White House defended the decision, stating that the reinforcements were necessary to "restore order and protect federal property" amid what it described as "increasingly violent protests."
The protests have drawn international attention after an Australian reporter covering the demonstrations was struck by a rubber bullet fired by law enforcement. The Australian government confirmed it had raised the incident with U.S. officials, expressing concern over press freedom and the safety of foreign journalists.
The reporter, who was wearing visible press credentials, sustained minor injuries while documenting clashes outside an ICE facility. Police stated they were reviewing the incident but emphasized that projectiles were used only after protesters allegedly ignored dispersal orders.
Protest organizers have vowed to continue demonstrations, with rallies planned across major U.S. cities this week. Civil rights groups have condemned the military deployment, warning of further tensions between activists and armed personnel.
