Escalation in Los Angeles

Active-duty Marines and National Guard troops have been deployed to support law enforcement of Los Angeles during mass civilian demonstrations.

President Donald Trump ordered 700 United States Marines to Los Angeles, California, after he already ordered about 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles to support local law enforcement.

On Monday June 9, Trump said that California Governor Gavin Newsom “should only be happy I sent in the military.”

Newsom accused  the federal government of acting illegally by mobilizing the National Guard against California citizens. A lawsuit was filed on Monday, suing the Trump administration for acting against the Constitution.

The growing demonstrations in Los Angeles escalated in early June as ICE agents planned raids to arrest people they believe to be undocumented immigrants. The protests began in response to the mass ICE raids, Californians organized to stop traffic to block police and raise awareness about raids and arrests that were reportedly carried out without warrants.

Law enforcement has used non-lethal weapons on protesters such as rubber bullets, tear gas, and flash-bang grenades, as well as shooting an Australian journalist in the back of her leg with a rubber bullet while on the air.

Reportedly, at least 44 immigrants were arrested from a job site, another 77 arrested throughout Los Angeles, and the Department of Homeland Security claims that some of those arrested were among the “worst of the worst” offenders.

Normally, National Guard units are deployed by state governors, not the US president, although the president can federalize the National Guard or send active-duty military (like the Marines) in the event of an insurrection, rebellion, or otherwise uncontrollable situation. If, as Trump did, a president sends troops in against the governor’s wishes, the federal government is exerting control over law enforcement and may result in martial law or quasi-martial law.

There is the great potential that the situation will escalate, not de-escalate, and civil liberties may be curtailed. There is a risk of a violent confrontation between the military and civilians.