Marines Mobilized Amidst LA Anti-ICE Protests
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Saturday evening the mobilization of Active Duty Marines from Camp Pendleton to address the ongoing anti-ICE riots in downtown Los Angeles. This military intervention comes just 80 miles south of the tumultuous city, where protests have erupted in response to recent ICE operations.
The protests began on Friday, ignited by multiple ICE raids that set off a firestorm of dissent. As the situation escalated into Saturday, demonstrators resorted to arson, hurled projectiles at law enforcement, and engaged in widespread vandalism, all seemingly inspired by a call to action from LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Mayor Bass fueled the fire Friday night with a pointed critique of ICE, asserting, “We will not stand for this,” as she rallied her constituents against federal enforcement actions.
We will not stand for this. pic.twitter.com/Ug1CN4JKOz
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) June 6, 2025
The announcement of military support came shortly after President Trump signed a memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to “restore order” in Los Angeles. Hegseth characterized the violence as a direct assault on federal law enforcement, claiming it obstructs the removal of what he referred to as “Criminal Illegal Aliens,” a narrative that frames the protests as a national security threat orchestrated by criminal cartels.
The violent mob assaults on ICE and Federal Law Enforcement are designed to prevent the removal of Criminal Illegal Aliens from our soil; a dangerous invasion facilitated by criminal cartels (aka Foreign Terrorist Organizations) and a huge NATIONAL SECURITY RISK.
Under President…
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) June 8, 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to deploy the National Guard, suggesting that such actions only exacerbate tensions rather than resolve them. In what could be interpreted as an ironic twist, he expressed concern that the federal government seemed more interested in creating a “spectacle” than addressing the underlying issues.
As the federal government conducts chaotic immigration sweeps across the country, the state is deploying additional CHP to maintain safety on Los Angeles highways to keep the peace. It’s not their job to assist in federal immigration enforcement.
The federal government is sowing…
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 8, 2025
In a follow-up tweet, he reiterated his stance, urging citizens to resist the urge to respond with violence and instead advocate for peaceful expression. “The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,” he urged.
The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle.
Don’t give them one.
Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 8, 2025
In the streets of Los Angeles, the chaos continued to unfold. Reports captured moments of protestors, including one waving a Mexican flag, encircling a burning vehicle, as President Trump called on Democratic leaders to regain control over the escalating situation.
Man with a Mexican flag circles a burning car during anti-ICE unrest in Los Angeles as President @realDonaldTrump demands Democratic leaders get the situation under control. pic.twitter.com/iqHW9h608f
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 8, 2025
As tensions mounted, reports indicated that protests turned increasingly violent, with one demonstrator launching fireworks towards police, igniting a nearby brush fire. In response, law enforcement utilized less lethal methods, including tear gas, to disperse the crowd as hundreds attempted to flee.
BREAKING : A protestor launching fireworks toward police has just started a small brush fire nearby. Police being forced to retreat, protestors are advancing launching items at police.
Multiple people injured.
Compton, CA pic.twitter.com/KWR8blJspr
— Anthony (@AnthonyCabassa_) June 8, 2025
BREAKING : HUGE POLICE offensive against anti ICE protestors just unfolded, with police firing less than lethal, tear gas, and smoke canisters into the crowd. Hundreds try to flee, many hit.
Sheriffs are moving the crowd out.
Paramount, CA pic.twitter.com/JGJxBJzx0O
— Anthony (@AnthonyCabassa_) June 8, 2025
