Asger Risom
As demonstrations grow over federal immigration raids, U.S. military personnel in Los Angeles are granted limited powers to detain civilians while escorting ICE agents.
U.S. National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles now have temporary authorization to detain civilians, marking a rare and controversial step in the federal response to unrest sparked by immigration raids. Major General Scott Sherman, who is leading the operation, confirmed the decision during a press briefing on Wednesday.
“Strictly for the protection of federal personnel and buildings, they may detain temporarily until law enforcement arrives,” Sherman said, as quoted by 20 Minutos.
Marines Training for Crowd Control
The federal deployment includes 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. While National Guard units are already active, Sherman said roughly 500 members have been trained to accompany Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Marines are currently undergoing crowd-control training at a naval facility in Seal Beach, California, though they have yet to be deployed to city streets.
The move follows days of protests in Los Angeles over immigration crackdowns ordered by President Donald Trump, which were carried out without the approval of the California governor.
Demonstrations have also sparked solidarity rallies abroad, raising fears of renewed unrest in the city.
Arrests and Charges After Violence
Federal prosecutors announced charges Wednesday against at least 14 individuals involved in recent vandalism and clashes.
Offenses include assaulting federal officers, possessing explosive devices, and attempting to obstruct arrests.
“The penalties will be severe,” U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned, noting that possession of a Molotov cocktail can result in up to 10 years in federal prison.
Separately, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office confirmed five local criminal cases related to downtown protests and indicated more charges are likely.
Hollywood Pushback and Human Rights Concerns
The deployment has drawn backlash from public figures, including entertainers like Katy Perry and Chiquis Rivera, who have spoken out against what they call aggressive enforcement tactics.
Critics argue that involving military personnel blurs lines between civil order and military authority, raising constitutional concerns.
The $134 million deployment will fund transport, food, housing, and other expenses for up to 60 days, while debate intensifies over the legality and long-term implications of using soldiers in civilian law enforcement roles.