Roughly 700 Marines deploying to LA following weekend ICE protests

Approximately 700 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division are deploying to Los Angeles to support efforts against escalating anti-ICE riots. These Marines will integrate with existing National Guard members protecting federal property and personnel. An official indicated the Marines would not directly engage protesters, as they cannot make arrests unless President Trump invokes the Insurrection Act. Trump stated he did not consider the protests an insurrection, despite a previous comment calling protesters paid insurrectionists. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited increased threats to federal law enforcement and buildings as the reason for the deployment, asserting an obligation to defend federal officers. The deployment marks a significant escalation, with Governor Gavin Newsom having previously criticized Hegseth's threats to deploy Marines. Hegseth had previously stated that active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton were on high alert and could be mobilized if violence continued, viewing the riots and attacks on ICE facilities as a national security threat.