More Than 700 Marines Mobilized to Support LA Protest Response

About 700 U.S. Marines based out of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in California have been mobilized in response to ongoing protests in Los Angeles, according to sources familiar with the deployment.

The Marines are joining over 2,000 members of the California National Guard activated by President Donald Trump—an order made without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom or Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Only around 300 National Guard troops have been deployed on the streets so far, with the Marines expected to bolster their presence.

The deployment of an entire Marine battalion marks a significant escalation in the federal response. Officials say the Marines are currently prohibited from performing law enforcement duties—such as making arrests—unless the president invokes the Insurrection Act, which permits such actions during times of rebellion or insurrection.

The battalion being deployed, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, was initially placed on “prepare to deploy” status, but sources now confirm the full unit has been mobilized.

While exact tasks have not been publicly confirmed, potential assignments for the Marines include crowd control and perimeter security. Defense Department lawyers are reportedly finalizing language for use-of-force guidelines, which are expected to align with the military’s standing rules.

This marks the first time since the 1992 Los Angeles riots that U.S. Marines have been mobilized domestically in this way. Although some Marines have recently supported border operations, their use in this context signals a dramatic federal escalation in response to civil unrest.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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