**500 U.S. Marines on Standby for Deployment to Los Angeles Amid Growing Unrest**

June 9, 2025 — The United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) has confirmed that 500 U.S. Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines at Twentynine Palms are on standby, prepared to deploy to Los Angeles if the situation on the ground continues to escalate.

The move follows a weekend of unrest triggered by federal immigration raids conducted by ICE agents in downtown Los Angeles. The operations sparked large-scale protests, some of which turned violent, resulting in property damage and clashes with local law enforcement. Incidents of looting and vandalism, including damage to self-driving vehicles, have further fueled tensions in the city.

President Donald Trump, invoking Title 10 authority, has already ordered 2,000 National Guard troops into California without state consent. Approximately 300 of those troops have been deployed to areas including Los Angeles, Compton, and Paramount. Trump has indicated that additional federal forces, including active-duty Marines, will be used if necessary to restore order.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly condemned the federal deployment, calling it a violation of state sovereignty and an unconstitutional use of military force. Local officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, have echoed these concerns, stating that city police are capable of managing the unrest without federal intervention.

Despite political backlash, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Marines remain on high alert and ready to respond to protect federal facilities and personnel if directed by the White House.