Pentagon Withdraws 700 Marines From Los Angeles After ICE Protest Crackdown

The Pentagon has ordered 700 U.S. Marines to leave Los Angeles after more than a month of deployment in response to violent protests targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The withdrawal, announced Monday, marks a significant step in de-escalating the federal presence that had drawn sharp criticism from California officials.

The Trump administration deployed Marines and federalized roughly 4,000 National Guard troops in early June to restore order amid escalating anti-ICE riots. The Marines were tasked with defending federal property, including ICE offices and detention facilities in downtown LA, and were not authorized to conduct civilian law enforcement operations.

“With stability returning to Los Angeles, the Secretary has directed the redeployment of the 700 Marines whose presence sent a clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. “Their rapid response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence were instrumental in restoring order and upholding the rule of law. We’re deeply grateful for their service.”

Key developments surrounding the withdrawal include:

• Half of the 4,000 National Guard soldiers deployed to Los Angeles were ordered to leave last week, signaling a broader drawdown.

• California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass both opposed the troop presence, calling it “unconstitutional” and an “assault on our city.”

• A legal battle over the deployment is ongoing, with Newsom suing the administration for violating the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of active-duty military for domestic law enforcement.

Mayor Bass celebrated the Pentagon’s announcement. “This is another win for Los Angeles, but this is also a win for those serving this country in uniform,” Bass said Monday. “We took the administration to court and won, now we continue that momentum with today’s news. Los Angeles stands with our troops, which is why we are glad they are leaving.”

Governor Newsom secured an early legal victory when a federal judge ruled that the National Guard deployment exceeded Trump’s authority. However, that ruling was overturned on appeal, and the case will return to court next month to determine whether the deployment violated federal law.

The National Guard’s 60-day deployment period is set to expire soon, but Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth retains discretion to extend or shorten their stay, depending on the situation on the ground.

The deployment and now withdrawal highlight the broader clash between Trump’s administration and Democrat-led states over border enforcement and immigration policy. While federal officials praised the troops’ role in restoring order, California leaders remain adamant that the deployment was an overreach of federal power.

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