LA Sees Marines Again Amid Unrest, Echoing 1992 Riots

Los Angeles teeters on the edge of chaos, and the federal government has stepped in with resolve. On June 13, 2025, 200 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment assumed posts at the Wilshire Federal Building, taking over from the California National Guard. This move signals a firm commitment to protect federal property and personnel as civil unrest grips the city.

The unrest ignited on June 7, fueled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that sparked widespread protests. Vandalism and fires on federal sites, including the U.S. Courthouse, have prompted federal intervention. President Trump's decision to deploy Marines reflects a clear stance that law and order is paramount when local leaders cannot contain the violence.

This mission echoes the 1992 Los Angeles riots, when Marines last patrolled these streets amid $1 billion in damages. Today, their role is tightly focused on securing federal assets, yet the broader message resonates. Why should law-abiding citizens endure destruction when agitators exploit protests to wreak havoc?

Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials decry the deployment, arguing it infringes on state authority and risks escalation. They paint it as an overreach. But when federal buildings face defacement and workers live in fear, does the president not have a duty to act? The Constitution empowers him to protect federal property, and Trump is wielding that authority to restore stability.

The Marines' presence stands as a bulwark against disorder. Under Task Force 51, led by Army Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, 4,700 personnel, including 700 Marines and 2,000 Guard members, are now deployed. Their mission centers on shielding federal workers and property, ensuring the rule of law endures amid the chaos.

These Marines are prepared for the conflict. They completed 20 hours of civil-disturbance training, mastering de-escalation techniques and studying rules of engagement. Military attorneys provided thorough guidance on the use of force, ensuring every step complies with legal standards. Sherman confirms no troops have detained anyone, only observing as federal agents arrest those inciting violence.

This restraint is deliberate. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits active-duty troops from law enforcement without explicit authorization. Operating under 10 U.S.C. §12406 and constitutional powers, the Marines focus solely on guarding federal sites. Their equipment, including helmets and shields, is designed for defense. Why do detractors overlook this disciplined approach?

History validates this strategy. In 1957, President Eisenhower deployed the 101st Airborne to Little Rock to uphold federal law against local resistance. In 1967, President Johnson sent paratroopers to Detroit to curb riots. These interventions restored calm when states faltered. The current mission aligns with that tradition, protecting federal interests without crossing into policing.

Veterans' advocacy groups, including Common Defense, warn that such deployments erode public trust and politicize the military. They raise fears of authoritarianism. Yet a 2019 Gallup poll showed 73% of Americans hold strong confidence in the military. A 2020 ABC/Ipsos poll found 83% of Republicans backed troop use to quell unrest. The greater danger lies in allowing lawlessness to spread unchecked.

Urban unrest carries a steep cost. The 2020 protests inflicted $2 billion in insured losses, surpassing the 1992 L.A. riots. In 2025, L.A.'s Civic Center and Arts District have faced vandalized stores, burning trash bins, and destroyed vehicles. Federal buildings, symbols of national authority, are prime targets, with graffiti defacing the U.S. Courthouse and security tightened at ICE facilities.

The Marines' deployment serves as a critical defense against this surge of destruction. Their presence protects agencies like the IRS and ICE, ensuring they can operate. The operation's $134 million price tag is substantial, but the economic and social toll of unchecked chaos is far greater. Is it not worth investing to preserve order?

Opponents, including Newsom, argue the deployment threatens free speech and faces legal scrutiny in the Ninth Circuit. They point to a district judge's ruling against the Guard's mobilization, calling it unlawful. But the Ninth Circuit paused that decision, and legal experts affirm the president's authority to safeguard federal assets. Hesitation only invites more damage.

The Marines in Los Angeles represent a steadfast commitment to stability. Their disciplined presence reassures Americans that the federal government will not abandon them to violence. This mission prioritizes protecting lawful institutions, ensuring protests do not devolve into anarchy. A clear boundary is necessary.

President Trump's bold leadership contrasts with the indecision of local officials. By leveraging constitutional authority, he follows in the footsteps of past presidents who recognized that decisive action preserves democracy. Those who protest may argue, but their calls for restraint often enable those who exploit unrest for destruction.

Citizens deserve secure communities and functioning institutions. The Marines' deployment is a vital step toward that vision. As unrest challenges our nation's resolve, remaining unwavering is essential, trusting our military to uphold the rule of law and protect the foundation of our society.