U.S. Marine Corps personnel were deployed to the scene of protests against the crackdown on illegal immigrants in Los Angeles (LA).
On the 13th (local time), Scott Sherman, a U.S. Army colonel commanding the Marine Corps Task Force 51, said, “About 200 Marines have already begun joint operations with the National Guard units deployed on site.”
He continued, “This force plans to take over and perform security duties in the area,” explaining, “Specifically, they will protect federal buildings, including the Wilshire Federal Building in LA.”
International news agencies, including Reuters, assessed that it is very unusual for military personnel to be deployed to domestic protest scenes in the U.S. This is the first time military forces have been dispatched to quell riots since the LA riots related to the Rodney King beating in 1992.
In particular, the deployment of troops occurred despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, as ordered by President Trump, due to escalating protests against immigration crackdowns in LA.
Colonel Scott Sherman emphasized, “So far, neither the Marines nor the National Guard has detained anyone (illegal immigrants or protesters),” adding, “Military personnel will not participate in law enforcement activities.”