Pentagon to Withdraw 700 Marines from Los Angeles Amid Protests and Local Opposition
The Pentagon has officially announced the withdrawal of approximately 700 active-duty U.S. Marines from Los Angeles, effective Monday, July 21, 2025. The decision comes after weeks of sustained protests related to federal immigration enforcement and strong objections from local and state leaders, marking a significant shift in the federal response to civil unrest in the city.
Withdrawal Follows Partial National Guard Reduction
This withdrawal follows the Pentagon's recent decision to remove approximately half of the 4,000 National Guard troops initially deployed to Los Angeles. Currently, about 2,000 National Guard members remain in the city, their future role still under debate.
Flashback: Deployment Triggered by Immigration Protests
The initial deployment of military personnel was ordered by President Donald Trump in early June 2025, in response to protests sparked by federal immigration raids. The deployment included roughly 4,000 National Guard soldiers and the 700 U.S. Marines now slated for withdrawal.
Marines Deployed to Protect Federal Assets
The 700 Marines were specifically deployed on June 9, 2025, the fourth day of protests in downtown Los Angeles. Their primary mission was to safeguard federal property and personnel, particularly the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office and detention facility.
California Governor Filed Lawsuit Against Federal Government
In June 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit against the federal government, challenging the legality of Trump's decision to activate National Guard troops without his consent. Newsom argued that the deployment violated established protocols and sought an emergency injunction to halt troop involvement in immigration enforcement. While a lower court initially sided with Newsom, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked that order, allowing federal control of the troops to continue.
Pentagon Cites "Stability Returning" as Reason for Withdrawal
In its July 21, 2025, announcement, the Pentagon cited "stability returning to Los Angeles" as the primary reason for withdrawing the Marines.
Deployment Viewed as Response to "Lawlessness"
The deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles was a contentious move by the Trump administration, which framed it as a response to "lawlessness" during protests against federal immigration enforcement actions. Los Angeles, a self-declared "sanctuary city," has been a frequent target of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Stakeholders React to Troop Withdrawal
Several key stakeholders have been vocal regarding the military presence in Los Angeles. The Pentagon and the Trump administration have consistently maintained that the troops were necessary to restore order and protect federal property amidst protests. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell previously stated that the military presence "sent a clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated."
Los Angeles Mayor Voices Strong Opposition
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been a vocal opponent of the deployment, calling it "unnecessary" and a "misuse of our service members." She has repeatedly called for the full withdrawal of all troops, characterizing the Marines' departure as "another win for Los Angeles."
California Governor Condemns "Abuse of Power"
California Governor Gavin Newsom has also vigorously opposed the deployment of both National Guard and Marines, describing it as a "brazen abuse of power" and "performative political theater." He has also raised concerns about the National Guard's capacity for wildfire fighting during peak season due to their federal deployment.
Troops' Role in Domestic Law Enforcement Sparks Debate
The U.S. Marines and National Guard troops were deployed to protect federal buildings and personnel, and in some instances, accompanied ICE agents during operations. Their presence on domestic soil for such a mission has been widely considered rare and controversial.
Residents and Veterans Express Concerns
Los Angeles residents and protesters have engaged in demonstrations against federal immigration raids, some of which have resulted in clashes with law enforcement. Local authorities have disputed the administration's characterization of the city as a "war zone," noting that protests were largely confined to specific areas. Veterans' groups have joined Mayor Bass in raising concerns about the deployment of military troops on domestic soil.
Controversy Over Military Presence on US Soil
The deployment ignited a national debate regarding the use of the military on U.S. soil for domestic law enforcement and immigration purposes. Critics, including Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom, argued that it represented an overreach of federal power, was unnecessary, and served to inflame tensions. The legality of the deployment, particularly in relation to the Posse Comitatus Act (which generally prohibits the use of the military for civilian law enforcement), has been a central point of contention and the subject of ongoing legal challenges.
Public Reaction Mixed, but Mostly Critical
Los Angeles city and state officials, along with many residents and veteran groups, have expressed strong opposition to the military presence, viewing it as an intimidation tactic and a waste of resources. Mayor Bass has credited peaceful protests and legal actions for the withdrawal of the Marines.
Lingering Concerns Remain About National Guard Presence
While the Marines are being withdrawn, approximately 2,000 National Guard troops remain in Los Angeles, continuing the debate over their appropriate role. The controversy has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the federal government and "sanctuary cities" regarding immigration policy and enforcement.
