The Pentagon confirms it is activating 700 Marines in the Los Angeles area to help the federal response to protests against immigration raids
Donald Trump has defended his decision to deploy the National Guard while California Governor Gavin Newsom sues the administration over the move
Demonstrations began outside in downtown LA on Friday after it emerged Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were carrying out raids across the city
BBC correspondent Carl Nasman is at a protest which has been declared to be an unlawful assembly.
Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city, triggering a political row – Newsom, along with LA mayor Karen Bass, believed local police could handle the protests
It is highly unusual for US military troops to be used in any role relating to domestic law enforcement
One thing about the battle over immigration and law and order is clear: escalation feels almost inevitable.
Meanwhile, the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department says the deployment of Marines to Los Angeles “presents a significant logistical and operational challenge”.
In a statement, chief Jim McDonnell says the LAPD has not received any “formal notification” that Marines would be arriving in LA, and says he is confident in the force’s experience in managing public demonstrations.
“Our top priority is the safety of both the public and the officers on the ground,” he continues.
“We are urging open and continuous lines of communication between all agencies to prevent confusion, avoid escalation, and ensure a coordinated, lawful, and orderly response during this critical time.”
BBC
