Trump Sends Military Amid No Kings Nationwide Rally \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Federal troops—approximately 200 Marines—were deployed to a Los Angeles federal building following a week of immigration‑raid protests, as National Guard forces continue supporting immigration enforcement. Governor Newsom and civil rights groups have challenged the federal military buildup, arguing it exceeds legal authority. With military forces now securing sites in L.A., the nation prepares for Saturday’s “No Kings” protests and a military parade in Washington, D.C.
Quick Looks
- 200 Marines Deployed: Replacing National Guard at west L.A. federal building, armed and trained for civil disturbance.
- Guard Re‑tasked: National Guard shifted to oversee and secure immigration‑raid missions.
- Legal Clash Ensues: Court temporarily halted Guard control transfer; appeals court intervenes.
- Mass “No Kings” Protests Expected: Demonstrations planned in nearly 2,000 U.S. locations; L.A. curfew remains active.
- Military Parade in D.C.: Scheduled the same weekend; president frames L.A. unrest as justification.
Deep Look
In a dramatic escalation of federal involvement in immigration enforcement and protest response, about 200 U.S. Marines were deployed to Los Angeles on Friday. Their assignment: to secure the Wilshire Federal Building, a critical government facility near downtown, amid ongoing public outcry over federal immigration raids and a looming wave of nationwide “No Kings” protests targeting President Donald Trump’s policies. This marks the first visible presence of active-duty Marines on Los Angeles streets, a move that has reignited fierce debates about federal authority, state sovereignty, and the militarization of civil response efforts.
Marines Replace National Guard in Key Roles
The Marines, equipped with full combat gear, assault rifles, and walkie-talkies, arrived to relieve members of the National Guard, who had been manning the building since protests erupted a week earlier. The shift comes as the Guard prepares for new assignments—specifically to protect federal agents carrying out immigration enforcement actions. According to Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, commander of the 4,700 federal troops currently operational in Los Angeles, the Marines underwent recent civil disturbance training and are now tasked solely with protecting federal buildings, not engaging in law enforcement or protest management.
This strategic reallocation frees up Guard units to accompany Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during high-risk raids, particularly in neighborhoods where resistance is anticipated. Guard members underwent specialized training, including legal briefings and scenario rehearsals, before joining immigration agents. Still, military officials emphasize that neither Marines nor Guard troops will detain civilians or participate directly in enforcement actions.
Legal Dispute and State Resistance
The federal deployment has triggered intense legal backlash. On Thursday, a federal judge ruled that President Trump overstepped his authority by federalizing the California National Guard, claiming the situation in Los Angeles does not meet the constitutional threshold of an insurrection or rebellion under the Tenth Amendment. The judge ordered that control of the Guard be returned to California Governor Gavin Newsom—a ruling that was temporarily blocked by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals just 24 hours later.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised the appeals court, arguing that federal intervention had prevented catastrophe. “If I didn’t send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now,” he wrote. The legal tug-of-war is scheduled to continue with a hearing on Tuesday, where broader constitutional questions about the Presidential authority to deploy federal troops domestically will be reviewed.
Governor Newsom, along with several Democratic governors nationwide, has labeled the move a “power grab,” warning that allowing this precedent could lead to expanded federal military involvement in local matters without state consent.
Conditions on the Ground: Protests and Arrests
The protests in Los Angeles, while largely peaceful during the day, have intensified into confrontations during the evening hours. Since last Saturday, law enforcement has made around 500 arrests, mostly for failing to disperse. Authorities have also reported a few isolated incidents of violence, including the possession of Molotov cocktails and firearms, as well as assaults on police officers, nine of whom sustained minor injuries.
To curb nighttime unrest, authorities have enforced an 8 p.m. curfew across a 1-square-mile section of downtown Los Angeles. The rest of the city, encompassing over 500 square miles, remains under normal operations. Demonstrations typically begin with marches and chanting, but tensions rise at dusk. On Friday, by mid-afternoon, Marines stood guard at the Wilshire Federal Building entrances, performing basic checks, including validating public access for services like passport renewals. Passersby voiced mixed reactions—some honking in approval, others shouting criticisms of the military’s presence in civilian spaces.
Notably, the same federal building was the scene of political drama earlier in the week when Senator Alex Padilla was removed and handcuffed during a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, after he attempted to question her about the legality and morality of the raids.
National Mobilization and the “No Kings” Movement
The timing of the Marine deployment comes just ahead of the “No Kings” protests, planned in nearly 2,000 cities nationwide for Saturday. The movement opposes Trump’s perceived authoritarian overreach and immigration enforcement tactics. Organizers have called for peaceful marches and de-escalation training, hoping to avoid confrontations that could trigger further federal crackdowns.
While major demonstrations are expected in Philadelphia and other urban centers, no large-scale protests are planned in Washington, D.C., where Trump will celebrate his birthday with a military parade—an event he long pushed for during his first term. The parade, taking place along the National Mall, will feature marching troops, tanks, fireworks, NFL appearances, and fitness competitions, with an expected attendance of up to 200,000 people. The event will cost an estimated $25 million to $45 million.
Political Ramifications
Meanwhile, governors across the country remain divided. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pre-positioned 5,000 National Guard troops in several cities, citing the potential for unrest. In contrast, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson urged residents to protest peacefully to avoid giving the administration a pretext for further federal deployments. “Don’t give him an excuse to federalize the Guard like he did in California,” he warned in a Friday tweet.
This national mobilization underscores a broader cultural and political struggle between federal authority and local autonomy—one that’s playing out vividly on the streets of Los Angeles.
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