Trump’s LA Military Deployment Scaled Back Amid Lawsuit \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Pentagon has ordered U.S. Marines to withdraw from Los Angeles, ending their deployment during immigration-related protests that began in June. The move follows legal challenges from California and local opposition from city leaders. Roughly 700 Marines were stationed at federal buildings for over a month.
Quick Looks
- 700 U.S. Marines deployed to Los Angeles on June 9 amid immigration protests.
- Marines were stationed at ICE facilities and federal buildings, not patrolling streets.
- One man was briefly detained near a VA clinic during deployment.
- Pentagon’s decision follows partial withdrawal of National Guard forces last week.
- Mayor Karen Bass praised the removal and urged full troop withdrawal.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom sued Trump over unauthorized National Guard deployment.
- A federal appeals court temporarily blocked a ruling returning Guard control to the state.
- Protests centered on immigration crackdowns and Trump-era federal actions.
- Demonstrations were largely peaceful, despite a few high-tension incidents.
- Marines’ removal seen as a victory by local leaders and veterans’ groups.
Deep Look
The Pentagon on Monday officially ordered the U.S. Marines to leave Los Angeles, ending a controversial military deployment initiated by President Donald Trump during heightened protests over immigration policy and federal law enforcement actions.
The decision to withdraw comes more than a month after 700 Marines were deployed to the city on June 9, in what became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over military involvement in civilian matters. The Marines were stationed primarily at two federal facilities, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office and a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles.
During their month-long deployment, the Marines had a limited on-the-ground role, largely confined to federal property. However, controversy swelled after an incident where they briefly detained a man outside a Veterans Affairs clinic who claimed he was on his way to a medical appointment. The event fueled concerns that the military presence posed risks to civil liberties and blurred lines between military and civilian authority.
Local Pushback Leads to Pentagon Reversal
The withdrawal follows the partial drawdown of National Guard troops last week and comes amid escalating legal and political pressure. On Monday morning, Mayor Karen Bass stood with several veterans’ advocacy groups at a press conference, reiterating calls for all military personnel to be removed from the city.
“This is another win for Los Angeles—but also a win for those serving this country in uniform,” Bass said. “We stand with our troops, which is why we’re glad they are leaving.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended the initial deployment, stating that the military’s presence had “sent a clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated.” But critics across California, including Governor Gavin Newsom, have insisted the deployment was politically motivated and legally dubious.
Legal Challenge Led by California
Newsom filed a lawsuit in June challenging the federal government’s right to deploy the National Guard without state approval. He claimed that the Trump administration violated legal norms by not consulting state leadership and used the Guard to support immigration raids and federal crackdowns that lacked broad public support.
Although a lower court initially sided with California, ordering the Guard returned to state control, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later issued a temporary block on that ruling, leaving the National Guard’s status in legal limbo. Newsom’s lawsuit originally included the Marines but later narrowed its focus to the Guard.
In response to the Pentagon’s decision on Monday, Newsom reiterated his call for the full removal of all remaining National Guard units. “The women and men of the California National Guard deserve more than to continue serving as puppets in Trump and Stephen Miller’s performative political theater,” he said. “There was never a need for the military to deploy against civilians in Los Angeles.”
Protests Mostly Peaceful, But Tensions Flared
The initial deployment came during protests that were limited in scope, mostly confined to a few city blocks surrounding City Hall, federal courts, and the ICE detention center. Still, the Trump administration painted a more chaotic picture, describing Los Angeles as a “war zone,” a claim city officials repeatedly rejected.
June 8 marked one of the largest protests, where thousands filled the streets to oppose the military presence and immigration enforcement. Demonstrators temporarily blocked a major freeway, while law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbang grenades. Several Waymo self-driving cars were torched during the clashes, drawing national media coverage.
On June 9—the same day the Marines arrived—police pushed demonstrators through Little Tokyo, deploying more flashbangs and projectiles. Restaurant workers and passersby were seen running for cover.
In the days that followed, Mayor Bass imposed a week-long curfew, citing a need to prevent property damage and restore order. While some criticized the move as excessive, city officials argued it helped stabilize the situation.
Next Steps for the National Guard
While the Marines have now fully withdrawn, a reduced National Guard force remains in Los Angeles. Gov. Newsom and Mayor Bass continue to call for their complete departure, maintaining that the deployment was unnecessary, escalatory, and politically charged.
As protests have diminished in size and frequency—now largely limited to smaller pop-up demonstrations and community vigils—local leaders believe it’s time to fully return authority to civilian law enforcement and prevent further militarization of American streets.
Whether the 9th Circuit ultimately rules to return the Guard to state control remains to be seen. But with the Pentagon’s decision to withdraw the Marines, pressure is growing for the remaining troops to be sent home as well.
Trump’s LA Military Deployment Trump’s LA Military Deployment
