Berkeley, California, July 23 (dpa/GNA) – US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, has ordered for 700 marines deployed to Los Angeles last month, amid protests against a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants, to be redeployed.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, on Monday said “with stability returning to Los Angeles,” the marines could be withdrawn from the second largest US city by population.
“Their rapid response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence were instrumental in restoring order and upholding the rule of law,” Parnell said, adding that their deployment had sent a “clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated.”
In June, Trump mobilized 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 marines for deployment in the city, despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, after days of demonstrations opposing his hard-line stance on migrants and recent deportation raids.
The move has led to criticism that the deployments are exacerbating the situation on the ground.
Under normal circumstances, control of the National Guard lies with individual US states. In times of war or national emergency, however, the president can assume command.
Some 2,000 members of the National Guard remain in the city. According to the Trump administration they are there to protect federal personnel and property.
“There was never a need for the military to deploy against civilians in Los Angeles,” Newsom, a prominent Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, said on Monday. “The damage is done, however. We, again, call upon them to do the right thing and end the militarization once and for all.”
Trump specifically targeted Democrat-led cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York with his crackdown on undocumented immigrants, urging the federal agents to step up enforcement efforts.
Mass deportations were a central promise during Trump’s election campaign. Since he returned to office in January, his administration has staged raids accompanied by press releases, photographs and regular updates on deportations to showcase their efforts.
An estimated 11 million people currently live in the US without valid papers. Many work in sectors vital to the economy, such as agriculture, construction and hospitality.
GNA