Breaking News: Marines Deployed to Los Angeles

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, who were placed in an alert status over the weekend to support #USNORTHCOM mission, prepare to depart for the greater Los Angeles area June 9. pic.twitter.com/xUDw0byvqd

— U.S. Northern Command (@USNorthernCmd) June 9, 2025

Due to increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings, approximately 700 active-duty U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton are being deployed to Los Angeles to restore order.

We have an obligation to defend federal law enforcement officers – even if Gavin…

— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) June 9, 2025

08:30 PM, June 9, 2025

In a rare federal military move, approximately 700 Marines from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms have been deployed to Los Angeles tonight to support ongoing immigration protests.

Ordered by U.S. Northern Command under Task Force 51, the Marines join 2,000 federalized California National Guard troops to protect federal property and personnel, marking the first such deployment without a governor’s request since 1965 during the Selma march.

The deployment follows weekend protests that escalated with tear gas use on June 7, prompting President Trump to federalize the Guard. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has challenged the legality of the move, filing a lawsuit claiming it exceeds federal authority.

Local law enforcement, including LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, expressed concerns over lack of coordination.