Marines Join National Guard in Los Angeles for Safety Operations
Starting Thursday, residents of Los Angeles may see a troop presence as 700 Marines, sent by President Trump, join forces with the National Guard. This effort is set to begin formal operations on Friday, focusing on safety training, including hand-to-hand combat and crowd control techniques.
The Marines have completed their basic training at Seal Beach and are now undergoing familiarization training with the National Guard in Los Angeles. A U.S. defense official has confirmed that while Marines may start appearing in the area soon, their official operations haven’t started yet.
Currently, over 2,000 National Guardsmen are stationed in Los Angeles, as authorities prepare for potential protests throughout the weekend. These protests are expected to occur in many cities across the country, coinciding with the celebration of the Army’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s birthday.
Though the mission of the Marines, under the command of NORTHCOM, is mainly to protect federal property and support law enforcement, there has been criticism about the financial implications of this deployment. Estimates suggest that the operation could cost taxpayers around $134 million, raising concerns over budget allocations.
In discussions regarding the necessity of these troops, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that their presence is essential for ensuring safety and allowing law enforcement to effectively carry out their duties. He stated, "It’s about maintaining law and order on behalf of law enforcement agents who deserve to do their job without being attacked by mobs of people.”
Despite challenges raised by California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, Hegseth pointed out that the federal government has a precedent for supporting local law enforcement. Support for the Marines and the National Guard in Los Angeles reflects a commitment to upholding law and order in the face of growing unrest.
