As immigration protests in Los Angeles stretch into a fourth day, tensions continue to rise—with the Pentagon now sending in 700 Marines to help protect federal property and personnel. The decision, made in response to mounting unrest, has sparked controversy among local leaders and raised serious questions about communication, legality, and coordination.

Why the Marines Are in LA

According to U.S. Northern Command, the Marines are being deployed to support local law enforcement and the National Guard by protecting federal buildings and immigration officers. However, under the Posse Comitatus Act, the troops are prohibited from directly performing law enforcement duties such as making arrests or crowd control.

The Pentagon is drafting clear rules for their conduct, including prohibitions on warning shots and specific instructions on de-escalation and self-defense. Each Marine will reportedly receive a card outlining what they can and cannot do.

LAPD Chief Voices Concerns Over Lack of Coordination

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell expressed frustration over being kept out of the loop. In a public statement, McDonnell said the LAPD received no formal notification about the Marines’ arrival and warned that their deployment, without close coordination, could lead to confusion and operational issues.

“We are urging open and continuous lines of communication between all agencies to prevent confusion, avoid escalation, and ensure a coordinated, lawful, and orderly response,” he said.

Protests Turn Chaotic: Dozens Arrested, Officers Injured

The protests have grown increasingly volatile. Over the weekend, LAPD arrested 29 people Saturday night for failure to disperse, and another 21 on Sunday for more serious offenses—including attempted murder involving a Molotov cocktail, assaulting officers, and looting.

The police used more than 600 rubber bullets, tear gas, and other less-lethal munitions during the demonstrations. Five officers reportedly sustained minor injuries.

State Pushback: California Files Lawsuit, Newsom Responds to Trump Threats

California is pushing back hard. Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the state is suing the Trump administration over its use of federal troops, accusing it of trampling on state sovereignty.

Meanwhile, a tense war of words erupted between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump, backing comments made by his border enforcement czar Tom Homan, said officials obstructing immigration enforcement should be arrested. Newsom fired back defiantly: “Come after me, arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy.”

Pentagon Caught Off Guard by Hegseth’s Tweet

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to deploy the Marines followed private conversations with Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs. But when Hegseth announced the move on his personal social media account, it surprised many inside the Pentagon. Officials say internal discussions are still ongoing about the full implications of the deployment.

Labor Leader David Huerta Released from Federal Custody

Among those arrested in recent days was labor leader David Huerta. After being released from federal detention, Huerta told reporters that his arrest wasn’t planned.

“This fight is ours, it’s our community’s, but it belongs to everyone,” he said outside the courthouse, urging peaceful protest. “Violence is not the answer.”

Sen. Schiff: Federal Troop Deployment Is Fueling the Fire

California Senator Adam Schiff, who attended Huerta’s bond hearing, criticized the Trump administration’s decision to bring in federal troops. He described the move as “utterly unnecessary and unwarranted” and said it was escalating tensions rather than helping resolve the crisis.

“We need to just focus on getting things calmed down here in Los Angeles so people can go about their business,” Schiff said. He called for peaceful protest and urged the administration to prioritize deportation efforts against violent offenders.

Protests Continue—With Moments of Unity and Celebration

Despite the turmoil, parts of downtown LA saw more upbeat scenes. In the El Pueblo district near the federal detention center, demonstrators danced to live music, waved Mexican flags, and chanted, “Whose streets? Our streets.”

The area, known for its vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, offered a moment of unity and peaceful expression amid an otherwise tense situation.

Stay tuned for developing story

Source: AP News – Live updates: Marines have been deployed to LA in response to immigration protests

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Los Angeles is facing a wave of unrest after sweeping ICE raids led to dozens of arrests across the city on Friday. The fallout was swift—by Saturday, protesters filled the streets and President Trump had ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County, citing escalating tensions and violent clashes.

Here’s what you need to know about how the protests started, who was arrested, and what federal and local officials are saying as the situation unfolds.

What Triggered the Protests in L.A.?

The spark came Friday when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers executed search warrants at multiple locations across the city, including a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District. Officials say a judge had found probable cause that some employees were using false documentation.

As agents attempted to leave the area, crowds gathered—many trying to block the vehicles from departing. The tension escalated quickly and spread to a federal building in downtown Los Angeles, where demonstrators believed detainees were being held in the basement.

By Saturday, protests had erupted in several other locations, including Paramount and Compton, after reports surfaced of additional immigration enforcement activity. Some scenes turned chaotic, with protesters throwing rocks at law enforcement vehicles and attempting to block a U.S. Marshals Service bus.

Who Was Arrested During the ICE Raids?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that a total of 118 immigrants were arrested in Los Angeles this week—44 of those on Friday alone. Among those detained were five individuals linked to criminal organizations and others with prior convictions, according to DHS.

One high-profile arrest drew additional attention: David Huerta, the regional president of the Service Employees International Union, was taken into custody during the protests and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Why Did Trump Deploy the National Guard?

On Saturday night, President Donald Trump signed a memo invoking Title 10 authority to deploy at least 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County. The move allows federal control over National Guard units, bypassing state approval.

“If Governor Gavin Newscum of California and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the deployment was aimed at stopping “RIOTS & LOOTERS.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said troops would be deployed “immediately,” and warned that if unrest continues, active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton could also be mobilized. The Marines, he added, are already on “high alert.”

What’s the Legal Context Behind the Deployment?

Trump’s use of Title 10 authority—which waives restrictions under the Posse Comitatus Act—is the same mechanism he used earlier this year to deploy troops to the southern border. The law typically limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement but allows exceptions when authorized by Congress or the Constitution.

How Have California Officials Responded?

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment as “inflammatory” and said it would only “escalate tensions.” He revealed that he had a 40-minute call with President Trump on Saturday night to discuss the situation.

Newsom said the president’s order threatens public trust and called it “the wrong mission.”

It remains legally murky whether the president can deploy the National Guard without the governor’s approval, especially for operations unrelated to federal property or border enforcement.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said city officials are coordinating with Washington and law enforcement to manage the situation while ensuring public safety.

What’s Next for L.A.?

As of Saturday night, protests were still ongoing in several parts of the city. Civil rights groups and immigrant advocates are calling for accountability and demanding the release of detainees. Chants of “Set them free, let them stay!” echoed outside detention centers, with signs and graffiti voicing strong opposition to ICE operations.

What began as an enforcement operation has now spiraled into a broader political and legal battle—with national implications for how immigration policy is enforced and how protests are policed.

Stay with us for continuing updates on the situation in Los Angeles.

Source: CBS News – What to know about the Los Angeles immigration protests after citywide ICE operations

The post Why the National Guard Was Deployed to Los Angeles After ICE Raids appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.