Marines Ordered Home: Pentagon Announces End to Los Angeles Deployment
The Pentagon announced on Monday, July 21, 2025, that the approximately 700 active-duty US Marines deployed to Los Angeles last month are being sent home. This decision comes as the situation in Los Angeles has stabilized following protests against federal immigration enforcement actions.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated, "With stability returning to Los Angeles, the Secretary has directed the redeployment of the 700 Marines whose presence sent a clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated." He further emphasized the Marines' role in restoring order, noting, "Their rapid response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence were instrumental in restoring order and upholding the rule of law."
Partial National Guard Withdrawal Preceded Marine Exit
The withdrawal of the Marines follows a similar decision made last week to reduce the number of National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles. Approximately half of the 4,000 National Guard members initially sent to the city were ordered to return home, leaving approximately 2,000 still present.
Mayor Bass Celebrates Troop Withdrawal as a "Victory" for Los Angeles
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has expressed her satisfaction with the Pentagon's decision. She hailed the withdrawal as "another win for Los Angeles" and "a victory." Mayor Bass had been a vocal critic of the military deployment, arguing that it was "unnecessary" and that the National Guard was needed for wildfire season, not for immigration enforcement or guarding buildings that were not under immediate threat.
Governor Newsom Continues Push for Complete National Guard Decommission
California Governor Gavin Newsom has also reiterated his demand for the remaining National Guard troops to be withdrawn from Los Angeles. He stated, "There was never a need for the military to deploy against civilians in Los Angeles," underscoring his long-held opposition to the federal government's actions.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Troop Withdrawal
The deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles began in early June 2025, amidst escalating tensions over federal immigration policies. Here's a summary of the key events:
- June 7-9, 2025: President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles, followed shortly by 700 US Marines. This action was a response to protests that arose in the wake of widespread immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- June 13, 2025: Approximately 200 Marines were stationed in Los Angeles to protect federal property, primarily the Wilshire Federal Building.
- July 1, 2025: The initial contingent of 700 Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, was replaced by 400 Marines from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.
- Mid-July 2025: The Pentagon ordered the withdrawal of 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles.
- July 21, 2025: The Pentagon announced the withdrawal of the 700 Marines from Los Angeles. The withdrawal is expected to be completed as soon as Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Deployment Justification and Stakeholder Perspectives
The Trump administration justified the deployment of Marines and National Guard troops as necessary to quell protests against federal immigration raids and to safeguard federal property and personnel, especially ICE offices and detention facilities.
Key stakeholders involved in this situation include:
- Federal Government/Pentagon: Asserted that the troops were crucial for restoring order and upholding the rule of law.
- President Donald Trump: Made the decision to deploy the troops, citing inherent constitutional authority to protect federal functions and property.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: Strongly opposed the deployment, deeming it unnecessary and intimidating to Angelenos, and actively advocated for the troops' withdrawal.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom: Opposed the deployment from the beginning, calling it a "serious breach of state sovereignty" and a "power grab." He initiated legal challenges against the federal government's decision, alleging violations of the law and the diversion of troops from essential state duties like wildfire fighting.
- US Marines and National Guard: The military personnel deployed to Los Angeles. Reports indicated that some Marines had to undergo expedited civil disturbance training. Their presence was largely concentrated around federal buildings.
- Anti-ICE Protesters/Immigrant Communities: The initial protests were triggered by ICE raids. Many within these communities and among local officials viewed the deployment of troops as an intimidating and unwarranted militarization of the city.
Controversy and Public Reaction Surrounding the Deployment
The deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles sparked significant controversy and debate. Several key issues emerged:
Legality of Federal Intervention
A central point of contention was the legality of deploying active-duty military and federalizing National Guard troops without the consent of the state governor. Governor Newsom launched a lawsuit against the federal government, and although a lower court initially ruled in his favor, an appeals court temporarily blocked the order to return control of the National Guard to California. This marked the first time since 1965 that a US president deployed the National Guard against the wishes of a state governor.
Concerns Over Militarization and Training
Local officials and civil liberties advocates voiced strong concerns about the militarization of a major US city and the potential for active-duty troops, who are often not adequately trained for civil disturbance scenarios, to interact with civilians. There was one reported incident of Marines temporarily detaining an Army veteran.
Resource Allocation Disputes
Governor Newsom argued that the National Guard was critically needed for state duties, particularly wildfire season, and that their deployment to Los Angeles represented a misallocation of essential resources.
Allegations of Political Motivation
Both Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom characterized the deployment as a politically motivated maneuver by the Trump administration.
Differing Views on Public Safety and Intimidation
While the Pentagon asserted that the deployment was intended to ensure public safety and restore order, many local leaders and residents viewed it as an act of intimidation directed towards peaceful protesters and immigrant communities.
