LOS ANGELES, June 9, 2025 — A growing power struggle between California leaders and the Trump administration reached a boiling point Monday as the federal government announced the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, despite local opposition. The move follows days of protests, vandalism, and clashes over federal immigration raids that have gripped downtown Los Angeles and drawn global attention.
The Marines, stationed at Camp Pendleton, are being sent under orders from the White House to protect federal buildings and personnel. A senior Trump official said the action was warranted “in light of increased threats against federal officers and federal buildings.” This follows President Trump’s earlier decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops — a move decried by Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as escalatory and unconstitutional.
Flashpoint: Downtown Unrest and Vandalism
The unrest began Friday following aggressive immigration enforcement actions that included arrests and clashes outside a federal detention center. By Monday morning, several downtown blocks bore the scars of the weekend’s chaos — burned Waymo cars, damaged police cruisers, smashed windows, and walls plastered with graffiti condemning ICE, the LAPD, and President Trump.
Among the most defaced sites were City Hall, the former Los Angeles Times building, and LAPD headquarters, where phrases like “F— ICE,” “F— LAPD,” and “Immigrants rule the world” were spray-painted across stone walls.
“This thing has gotten out of control,” admitted LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell on Sunday, though he stopped short of endorsing the federal deployment. “We’ve seen a level that disgusts every good person in this city.”
Arrests and Charges
Governor Newsom said at least 40 arrests have been made so far for violence and vandalism. The U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles also announced federal charges against nine individuals, including SEIU California leader David Huerta, in connection with the protests.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated separately on Hannity Monday that the federal government is prepared to prosecute anyone who assaults federal officers or commits violence under laws like the Hobbs Act, carrying potential 20-year sentences for looting and up to five years for spitting on officers.
A City Split Between Outrage and Routine
Despite the visible damage and law enforcement presence, much of the city continued as normal Monday morning. Street sweepers rolled through Civic Center streets littered with rubber rounds and broken glass, while residents walked dogs and visited Grand Central Market as if it were any other gray-skied June morning.
“This is how society is going to function?” asked Harry Vartanian, a 59-year-old local who expressed frustration at the destruction. “They’re just enforcing the law and you’re setting things on fire.”
Others, like Eileen Roman, a Guatemalan American living downtown, took a different view. “I wasn’t home when the violence happened, but I understand why people are out,” she said. “We all are concerned about what’s going on.”
Tourists like Eric Wright and Margaux Cowan-Banker, visiting from Tennessee, found the scene surreal. “I’m sure people back home think it’s a war zone,” said Cowan-Banker. “But we’re jogging past coffee shops and people walking dogs.”
Local vs. Federal Authority
The rift between city and federal authorities is stark. Local leaders have rejected the federal troop presence, arguing it undermines public trust and local control. Yet federal officials remain steadfast.
“If local jurisdictions won’t stand behind the men and women who wear the badge, the FBI will,” FBI Director Kash Patel declared Saturday.
Trump administration officials insist that Marines will focus solely on protecting federal assets, not crowd control — though the optics of military presence in a major U.S. city have stoked fears of authoritarian overreach.
What’s Next?
With protests likely to continue and no sign of retreat from either state or federal leadership, L.A. appears headed for a prolonged standoff. Chief McDonnell said Sunday that he still needs more clarity on how Marines would assist local efforts, hinting at the uncertainty ahead.
Have you been affected by the protests or deployments in Los Angeles? How is your neighborhood responding? Share your story or thoughts in the comments below.
