LAPD says they arrested 50 people and fired fire in a non-fatal round, suppressing the protest. The charges against the protesters include attempted murder by Molotov cocktails.
Active Marines deployed to anti-ice protests in Los Angeles
President Donald Trump is sending active-duty Marines to support law enforcement in immigration protests in Los Angeles, California.
Officials at the Los Angeles Police Department said Monday that despite the violent demonstrations, local police can handle anything they are throwing at protesters, and that no additional federal support is needed and could be a hindrance.
“Possibility of the arrival of federal forces in Los Angeles – a clear coordination presents important logistics and operational challenges for us who are responsible for protecting the city,” Police Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement. “The Los Angeles Police Department has decades of experience managing large public demonstrations along with mutual aid partners, and is confident in its ability to do so professionally and effectively.”
McDonnell’s statement comes amid President Donald Trump’s saying the cities are out of control.
“As the rise in threats to federal law enforcement officials and federal buildings, approximately 700 active US Marines are deployed in Los Angeles to restore order,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegses said in a post in X.
“We have a duty to defend federal law enforcement officials — even if Gavin Newsom doesn’t,” Hegseth said of the California governor.
In addition to the 700 Marines, a Pentagon spokesperson said 2,000 national security guards had been ordered to Los Angeles. Trump has already ordered 2,000 security guards to the city.
LAPD admits things have become busy. Officers fired more than 600 non-lethal bullets and made 50 arrests.
On Saturday, LAPD said 29 people were arrested for failing to comply with the order to dissolve. Twenty-one people were arrested on Sunday. The charges against them included attempted murder with Molotov cocktails and attacking police officers with deadly weapons, LAPD said.
Police said officers used tear gas on “hostile crowds” and used more than 600 non-lethal bullets. Among them were Australian journalists covering the protest.
But the Governor Gavin Newsom’s office says Trump’s move to place national security and marines in Los Angeles has caused the worst of anxiety.
Newsom announced Monday that an additional 800 state and local police officers will be deployed in Los Angeles to deal with the conflict between protesters and protesters who have been sent “illegally” sent to the governor’s office.
“LAPD and local law enforcement continue to respond effectively while Washington choreographs these chaotic events,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
At least five Los Angeles police officers were minor injuries, according to the LAPD. Five police horses were also “targeted and suffered minor injuries.”
Police said protest groups will use handheld radios to “coordinate and avoid law enforcement.”