Representative Jake Auchincloss criticizes the President’s deployment of 700 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines to Los Angeles as both unnecessary and illegal, violating posse comitatus. This action forces Marines trained for combat against foreign enemies to undertake ill-suited urban policing, requiring them to abandon years of training for inadequate preparation. The deployment demoralizes the troops and places young officers in an untenable position, forcing them to choose between obeying an unlawful order and their constitutional oath. The situation is further compounded by the availability of better-suited law enforcement resources to handle the situation.
Read More
US Marines carrying out the first known detention of a civilian in Los Angeles, as shown in a video, is raising serious concerns about the blurring lines between military and civilian law enforcement. The presence of civilian officers at the scene makes it highly questionable whether the Marines’ intervention was necessary, sparking speculation of a pre-planned action aimed at testing the limits of military involvement in domestic affairs. The incident underscores the fundamental principle of separating military and police forces; one to defend against external threats, the other to protect and serve the citizenry. When these roles merge, it becomes far too easy for the citizens themselves to become perceived as the enemy.… Continue reading
A letter from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested the deployment of U.S. Marines in Los Angeles to arrest anti-administration protesters. This request, which bypassed the White House, sought authorization for the military to detain or arrest protesters, a power the Los Angeles Police Department deemed unnecessary and potentially problematic. The Trump administration initially defended Noem’s actions but later issued a revised statement emphasizing a “whole-of-government” approach. Concerns remain regarding the blurring of lines between military and civilian law enforcement, potentially jeopardizing civil liberties.
Read More
Seven hundred Marines have been deployed to Los Angeles, ostensibly to support the federalized National Guard, despite local authorities’ objections and a lack of any apparent emergency. This deployment, seemingly driven by President Trump’s political agenda, potentially violates the Posse Comitatus Act, prohibiting military involvement in domestic law enforcement. The action follows the federal government’s response to protests against ICE raids and raises serious concerns about the militarization of domestic politics and the potential for violence. Trump’s recent comments suggesting the arrest of Governor Newsom further escalate the situation and highlight the alarming trajectory towards authoritarianism.
Read More
In response to ongoing protests in Los Angeles and escalating threats against federal personnel and buildings, President Trump deployed approximately 700 active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton to supplement the National Guard. This action, taken without the consent of California Governor Newsom, represents a significant escalation of the federal response to the demonstrations. Newsom condemned the deployment, alleging a manufactured crisis and vowing legal action against the president. The deployment follows days of protests sparked by law enforcement actions against immigration demonstrators.
Read More
The Pentagon’s decision to deploy 700 Marines to Los Angeles is raising serious concerns about the blurring lines between military and civilian law enforcement. The sheer scale of the deployment, particularly in relation to the reported number of protestors, is prompting questions about the necessity and proportionality of such a response. Many are pointing out that this action seems excessive, especially considering the available resources of the National Guard.
This deployment immediately brings to mind the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of the military for domestic law enforcement purposes. The act, while amended in 2022 to include Marines and Navy personnel, still places significant limitations on military involvement in civilian affairs.… Continue reading
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its unauthorized deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles. The lawsuit will challenge the federal government’s action as illegal, unconstitutional, and lacking necessary coordination with the state. Newsom argues that the federal government’s actions violated established protocol and were further exacerbated by false statements from the Trump administration regarding the National Guard’s deployment. The governor emphasized his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement but condemned the administration’s disregard for proper procedure.
Read More
Following the Secretary of Defense’s threat to deploy active-duty Marines to quell protests in Los Angeles against immigration policies, several prominent Republicans voiced support. House Speaker Mike Johnson justified the potential use of Marines as a necessary measure to maintain order, citing Governor Newsom’s perceived inaction. This deployment would mark the first use of active-duty troops to suppress domestic unrest since 1992, raising concerns about potential legal violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, despite the administration’s reliance on Title 10 of the U.S. Code. Republican Senators Lankford and Mullin criticized protesters, despite actions like displaying Mexican flags being protected speech.
Read More
Escalating violence, including rock throwing and Molotov cocktails, has rendered Los Angeles authorities unable to maintain public safety. The protests are deemed “out of control” by Essayli. Consequently, the federal government will deploy resources to restore order and quell the unrest. This intervention is justified by the state’s obligation to protect its citizens. Federal intervention aims to regain control and ensure public safety.
Read More
A Department of Homeland Security memo details plans to deploy up to 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration enforcement, including fugitive apprehension, detention support, transportation, and translation services. The memo outlines roles ranging from “night operations and rural interdiction” to guard duty and riot control within detention facilities. While the Pentagon hasn’t approved the request, deployment could begin as early as next month, primarily from Republican-led states. This unprecedented use of the National Guard for domestic immigration enforcement raises legal questions and concerns.
Read More