Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that active duty U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton have been placed on high alert as violence erupts amid anti-ICE unrest in Los Angeles. The move complements the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops under a presidential Title 10 authorization. Hegseth warned that continued attacks on federal agents could prompt broader military involvement to support law enforcement.
Protests escalated after ICE conducted high-profile raids in multiple LA-area locations, including the Fashion District and a Home Depot. Demonstrators reportedly hurled concrete and firecrackers at ICE and Border Patrol personnel, prompting federal use of tear gas and flash-bangs. An estimated 118 individuals were arrested—tied to both immigration violations and criminal offenses—spurring the federal order from the White House.
Hegseth emphasized that deploying U.S. Marines is a legal option under the Insurrection Act if local authorities fail to control insurgent activity. He stated that violence targeting ICE officials and facilities represents a direct challenge to national security.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass have condemned the federal action as unnecessary and inflammatory, urging a local-first approach. They argue the National Guard can manage the unrest and warn that federal troops could further erode trust between communities and law enforcement.
