US President Donald Trump has ordered the temporary deployment of around 700 Marines to Los Angeles, as protests over his administration’s hardline immigration policies enter their fourth consecutive day.

The Marines will assist in securing federal property until additional National Guard troops, also ordered by the president, can be deployed to the area. The move comes amid mounting public anger following a wave of immigration raids across Southern California that triggered widespread demonstrations.

A senior US military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the administration has not invoked the Insurrection Act—a legal provision that would allow military personnel to carry out civilian law enforcement duties. Instead, the Marines will remain restricted to defensive roles such as protecting government facilities and personnel.

On Monday, the state of California filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing the deployment violated state sovereignty and federal law. Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal critic of the Trump administration, accused the president of overstepping his authority and later confirmed reports that an additional 2,000 National Guard troops were being sent to Los Angeles—doubling the number previously announced on Saturday.

“This level of escalation is completely unwarranted, uncalled for, and unprecedented,” Newsom’s press office posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Democratic lawmakers condemned the deployment, warning that Trump’s actions may set a dangerous precedent for the use of military force in domestic affairs. The president, however, defended his decision, telling reporters on Monday that he felt he had “no choice” but to act in order to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

Protests Continue Across Major Cities

Demonstrations erupted outside a federal detention facility in Los Angeles where immigrants are being held. Protesters, chanting “free them all,” clashed with security forces, leading to minor injuries among five police officers. The Los Angeles Police Department reported instances of property damage, including several Waymo self-driving vehicles that were set on fire on Sunday night.

Police also said protesters threw concrete and bottles at law enforcement officers. In a separate incident, a Trump supporter was punched and pelted with eggs by members of the crowd, while unidentified individuals fired paintballs at the federal facility from a passing vehicle.

Protests were reported in at least nine other US cities including New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco, according to local media.

Legal and Political Fallout

The situation in California marks one of the most significant clashes between the Trump administration and Democratic-led state governments over immigration enforcement. President Trump has consistently criticised Democratic-run cities for what he claims is interference with federal immigration laws, accusing President Joe Biden’s administration of having “allowed far too many immigrants into the country.”

In an alarming development, Trump expressed support for remarks by his former immigration chief Tom Homan, who suggested that Governor Newsom should be arrested for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement. “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great,” Trump said.

The administration has pledged to ramp up deportations and set a target of 3,000 arrests per day of undocumented migrants. Critics have described the goal as unrealistic and draconian, citing concerns over civil liberties and due process.

Historical Echoes and Constitutional Questions

The domestic deployment of the Marines has sparked concern among constitutional scholars and human rights advocates. Although US troops have previously been used in emergencies—such as Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 attacks—their involvement in domestic unrest is extremely rare.

The last time the Insurrection Act was invoked was in 1992, when then-Governor Pete Wilson requested federal assistance to quell the Los Angeles riots following the acquittal of four police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. That unrest led to more than 50 deaths and over $1 billion in property damage.

Federal law does permit the president to deploy military forces in the event of an invasion, rebellion, or if local authorities are unable to enforce the law. However, absent an Insurrection Act declaration, troops are barred from engaging in direct policing.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell voiced logistical concerns, stating his department had not received formal notification of the Marines’ arrival. “The deployment presents a significant logistical and operational challenge,” he said.

As tensions continue to mount, the legal battle between California and the federal government could determine the limits of presidential authority during times of civil unrest. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters vow to continue their demonstrations, demanding the release of detained immigrants and an end to aggressive enforcement tactics.