Marines to deploy on LA streets within two days with authority to detain civilians

Nearly 1,000 demonstrators were peacefully marching through downtown when police suddenly opened fired with less lethal munitions in front of City Hall.

Police take cover from projectiles during protests over the Trump administration's immigration raids in Los Angeles, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

US Marines will join National Guard troops on the streets of Los Angeles within two days, officials said on Wednesday, and would be authorized to detain anyone who interferes with immigration officers on raids or protesters who confront federal agents.

US president Donald Trump ordered the deployments over the objections of California governor Gavin Newsom, sparking a national debate about the use of the military on US. soil and animating protests that have spread from Los Angeles to other major cities, including New York, Atlanta and Chicago.