In an effort to calm the anti-immigration law enforcement riots erupting in Los Angeles, United States President Trump has begun deploying Marine Corps and National Guard forces. Top military officials have announced that the U.S. military has been authorized to detain protesters in Los Angeles.
According to reports by Reuters, U.S. Army Major General Scott Sherman stated on Wednesday (June 11) that in order to protect federal property and personnel, the military forces deployed in Los Angeles have the authority to temporarily detain individuals until law enforcement carries out arrests.
Sherman told reporters that the 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard members deployed under Trump’s orders do not have the power of arrest, but they can temporarily detain individuals involved in order to protect federal property or personnel.
Sherman revealed that a group of Marines trained at Seal Beach in southern Los Angeles County will soon enter the city area. However, they will not take action on Wednesday and their rifles will not have live ammunition.
The Pentagon has stated that in addition to safeguarding government buildings and personnel in Los Angeles, the forces deployed will also protect immigrants and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carrying out raids.
On Tuesday (June 10), photos released by ICE in downtown Los Angeles showed National Guard members armed and on guard, while ICE agents handcuffed suspected undocumented immigrants next to vehicles.
Sherman did not specify how many times military forces have been involved in ICE raids, but he mentioned that about 1,000 soldiers are involved in protecting federal buildings and law enforcement actions.
California Governor Newsom publicly criticized Trump’s deployment of National Guard and Marines on Tuesday, accusing the President of escalating the situation and threatening democracy.
He accused Trump of “abusing power” by mobilizing the National Guard without consulting California law enforcement agencies, claiming that there were “no issues” before Trump’s intervention.
Trump later responded, stating that the military deployment in Los Angeles prevented violence from spiraling out of control.
A federal judge on Tuesday evening rejected Newsom’s request for a temporary restraining order. Newsom had sought a court order to limit Trump’s deployment of National Guard and Marine Corps to California.
The Trump administration responded to Newsom’s lawsuit on Wednesday, stating that the President has the authority to determine whether to use military force to address “insurrection or rebellion threats.”
On Tuesday evening, protests against immigration law enforcement had spread to New York, Atlanta, and Chicago among other cities. Protesters called out anti-ICE slogans and occasionally clashed with law enforcement.
On Wednesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of National Guard in San Antonio and other areas to address planned protests.
According to Reuters, multiple protest groups including “No Kings” plan to hold over 1,800 anti-Trump peaceful demonstrations nationwide on Saturday, June 14. It is also Trump’s 79th birthday, and Washington D.C. will host a parade to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Trump has warned that those inciting chaos will face a “powerful response” with force.