Trump, Troops, and Tear Gas: LA’s Crisis Escalates

June 10, 2025: In a dramatic escalation of tensions in Los Angeles, President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines to support the National Guard as protests intensify over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.

According to reports by the Associated Press and BBC, the Marines were expected to arrive in L.A. on Monday evening, June 9. This temporary deployment supplements the 2,000 National Guard troops already stationed in the city and follows growing unrest tied to ICE’s recent wave of detentions—reportedly making up to 2,000 arrests per day.

Also Read: Trump Sends Marines to L.A., Newsom Cries Foul in Explosive Constitutional Clash

The Guardian noted that the Marines are being temporarily mobilized until more Guard troops arrive. However, their involvement in law enforcement will remain limited unless President Trump invokes the Insurrection Act—a legal move that would give him the authority to use military forces on U.S. soil to quell civil unrest.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has already filed a lawsuit over the use of National Guard troops, citing concerns about the legality and proportionality of the deployment. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump’s actions, calling the escalation “unwarranted and unprecedented.” He clarified that the Marines appear to be relocating between bases for now, not engaging in direct enforcement — a subtle but significant distinction.

Sources told Politico that some Marines are arriving from Twentynine Palms and Camp Pendleton, key military bases located within 150 miles of L.A. The troops are currently assigned to protect federal properties and immigration agents, not confront civilians—though that could change if the Insurrection Act is invoked.

Over the weekend, dozens of protesters were arrested as demonstrations flared across the city, particularly in the predominantly Latino neighborhood of Paramount. Tear gas was deployed to break up crowds, according to the BBC.

Trump, speaking to reporters, labeled the demonstrators “insurrectionists”—a term that could legally justify further military involvement. As the situation develops, critics fear this sets a dangerous precedent for military force being used against U.S. citizens exercising their right to protest.