From the Smoke Pit - Marines Mobilized in L.A.
It’s been a wild week in Los Angeles, and I’ve been diving into the latest news to make sense of it all. On June 9, 2025, reports dropped that about 700 U.S. Marines were deployed to L.A. to help National Guard troops manage protests tied to immigration enforcement. Ordered by President Donald Trump, this move has sparked a heated debate, with California Governor Gavin Newsom calling it unlawful and planning to sue. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for our country.
👀 To catch you up to speed...
Karl Bullock
❗The Claim: 700 Marines on the Ground
Multiple sources, including major news outlets, confirm that the Pentagon sent about 700 Marines to assist the 2,100 National Guard soldiers already in L.A. These Marines, part of Task Force 51, are tasked with protecting federal personnel and property. The deployment is temporary, meant to hold things down until more National Guard troops arrive.
The Marines have clear rules: focus on de-escalation, crowd control, and no warning shots. They can act in self-defense and may detain civilians briefly to prevent harm, but any detentions get handed to law enforcement. Trump says this move was critical, claiming L.A. would’ve been “completely obliterated” without it. He’s called out Newsom and Bass for downplaying the violence and even labeled Newsom “incompetent.” Meanwhile, Newsom fired back, calling the deployment a “deranged fantasy” and “un-American,” arguing that our heroic Marines shouldn’t be pitted against citizens.
🍿 California's Political Drama Escalates
Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta are not backing down. On June 9, Bonta announced California’s plan to sue the Trump administration, arguing that federalizing the state’s National Guard without Newsom’s consent violates the Tenth Amendment, which protects state rights. They want Trump’s order declared unlawful.
Newsom’s been vocal, calling the deployment a “provocation” meant to stir fear and division. He pointed out that only about 300 of the 2,000 National Guard troops were actively engaged, questioning the need for Marines. In a bold move, he challenged Trump directly:
“Come after me, arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy.”
Talk about drama!
This legal fight draws on history - like in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized Alabama’s National Guard to protect civil rights marchers, bypassing Governor George Wallace. California’s betting on a similar argument to protect its authority.
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🗣️ The Political Divide and What People Are Saying
This situation has everyone picking sides. Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator James Lankford back Trump, saying Newsom mishandled the protests. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem praised Trump for putting community safety first. On the flip side, Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer call it a distraction from other issues, like Trump’s tax policies or his spat with Elon Musk. Mayor Bass urged protesters to stay peaceful, warning they could be playing into Trump’s hands.
Scrolling through Social Media, I saw mixed reactions. Some folks are worried, saying the deployment could lead to violence, with one user warning about “war” and “real bullets.” Others think L.A. needs the help, suggesting federal intervention makes sense. These are just opinions, though, and don’t give us the full picture.
🤷♂️ Why This Matters
This deployment raises big questions about who’s in charge - states or the federal government? The Posse Comitatus Act (I know, big word, Marine dumb - I struggled trying to pronounce it) limits active-duty military from doing domestic law enforcement, so the Marines’ role (protecting federal property) is a gray area that’s legally tricky. California’s lawsuit could set a precedent for how these conflicts play out in the future.
The protests also shine a light on the immigration debate. The ICE raids that sparked this mess are part of Trump’s push for tougher enforcement, which has both fired up supporters and outraged opponents. High-profile arrests, like labor leader David Huerta on felony charges, show how intense this fight is.
🤔 My Take: Is This Necessary?
The deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles is not just real - it’s a damn good call. The situation on the ground is spiraling, with Waymo vehicles torched and clashes rocking the streets. This isn’t just a protest; it’s a threat to government personnel and assets that demands a strong response. Newsom’s whining about 1,700 underused National Guard troops misses the point - local police and Guard units are stretched thin, and we need the Marines’ firepower and discipline to lock this down.
Trump’s rhetoric, like threatening to arrest Newsom, might be a bit much, but let’s be real: decisive action isn’t political theater when lives and property are at stake. Democrats dragging January 6 into this are just deflecting - back then, the response was too slow; now, Trump’s stepping up fast, and that’s what leadership looks like. Newsom’s lawsuit might try to paint this as federal overreach, but good luck convincing a court when public safety’s on the line. This isn’t a power grab; it’s a necessary move to restore order and protect our own.
🗒️ Final Notes
The deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles is a big deal, turning up the heat on an already tense situation. Trump says it’s about safety; California says it’s about power. As the state gears up to sue and protests continue, L.A. is a flashpoint for bigger issues: immigration, state rights, and the military’s role at home. Will the courts rein in federal power, or will Trump’s move hold up? And how will this shape the immigration debate? I’ll be watching closely, and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Sources: CNBC, The New York Times, AP News, POLITICO, BBC News, and various Social Media Posts.
No links? - A news outlet covering the Department of Defense messaged me asking me to not link them anymore, stating that it raises suspicion of sponsorship. For this reason, I will cite the sources without including a hyperlink. I'm sorry.
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