LOS ANGELES. The U.S. military is temporarily deploying around 700 Marines to Los Angeles while more National Guard troops are on the way, marking another escalation in President Donald Trump’s response to protests over his aggressive immigration policies.
The protests, now in their fourth day, have seen hundreds of demonstrators gathering outside a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles where immigrants are being held. Late on Monday, police began dispersing the crowd, using “less lethal” munitions such as gas canisters to control the situation.
National Guard forces formed a human barricade at the site, while police pushed protesters away. The LAPD said that some demonstrators had started throwing objects at officers, prompting the use of force.
California sued the Trump administration on Monday, arguing that the deployment of Marines and the National Guard violates federal law and state sovereignty. “The level of escalation is completely unwarranted, uncalled for, and unprecedented,” said a statement from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
The Pentagon confirmed on Monday that National Guard troops in Los Angeles would double from 2,000 to 4,000. However, the Trump administration has not yet invoked the Insurrection Act, which would allow the military to participate directly in civilian law enforcement.
The protests have led to a few dozen arrests and some property damage, including fires set to self-driving vehicles. The LAPD said that five officers and five police horses were injured over the weekend.
President Trump said on Monday he felt he had no choice but to increase the military presence to keep the violence under control. He also backed a suggestion to arrest Governor Newsom for obstructing federal immigration enforcement. “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great,” Trump told reporters.
Democrats argue that Trump’s move is an abuse of presidential power. Across the U.S., protests have also erupted in at least nine other cities, including New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
Marzita Cerrato, a 42-year-old first-generation immigrant whose parents are from Mexico and Honduras, said, “What is happening affects every American, everyone who wants to live free, regardless of how long their family has lived here.”
Federal law allows the president to deploy the National Guard if the nation is invaded, if there is a rebellion or danger of rebellion, or if he is unable to enforce federal laws with regular forces. The last time the military was used in direct police action under the Insurrection Act was in 1992, during the Los Angeles riots following the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
