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In recent events, President Donald Trump faced significant backlash from Democrats when he mobilized U.S. Marines to Los Angeles amidst riots opposing anti-immigration policies. The deployment, involving about 700 Marines, placed them near the city, prepared to intervene if necessary. However, these troops are without arrest authority and are equipped only with shields and batons.
Though rare, this action follows a historical precedent. The Insurrection Act allows presidents to deploy active duty forces during national emergencies, despite existing legal frameworks such as the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
This article revisits notable moments in history when presidents ordered military forces into American cities to restore order, shedding light on the complex relationship between civilian authorities and military responses.
Los Angeles Riots and Military Intervention
The most cited example remains the riots that erupted in Los Angeles after a jury acquitted four police officers involved in the brutal beating of Rodney King. The ensuing chaos prompted then-Governor of California, Pete Wilson, to seek federal assistance. In response, President George H.W. Bush invoked the Insurrection Act, deploying a significant force comprising 4,000 U.S. Army soldiers and 1,500 Marines, along with National Guardsmen.
The riots marked a tragic chapter, resulting in over 60 fatalities and extensive property destruction across the city. President Bush condemned the violence during a televised address, noting the tragic fallout from the situation. He highlighted the devastating impact, which included nearly 4,000 fires, immense property damage, and hundreds of injuries.
Miscommunication in Military-Civilian Operations
An illustrative incident during this period showcased the difficulties of military-civilian coordination. Amidst a domestic disturbance, a police officer called out for nearby Marines to provide cover but unintentionally sparked confusion. The trained combat troops assumed they were under attack and discharged over 200 rounds into a nearby house, mistakenly believing they were offering protective fire. This pointed to critical challenges in effectively integrating military support during domestic crises.
Dr. Martin Luther King’s Assassination and Federal Response
The violent aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination on April 4, 1968, led to widespread unrest in multiple cities. In particular, Washington, D.C., experienced intense rioting, prompting then-President Lyndon B. Johnson to deploy 13,000 federal troops, including active duty Army units. Soldiers took control of the streets, imposed curfews, and helped restore order within a matter of days.
The Detroit Riot’s Federal Involvement
The five-day Detroit riot, ignited by a police raid on an unlicensed bar, remains one of the deadliest civil disturbances in U.S. history. The chaos resulted in 43 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and the destruction of around 400 buildings in the city. Following a plea for assistance from then-Michigan Governor George Romney, President Johnson deployed 4,700 federal troops from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions to aid overwhelmed local law enforcement.
Enforcement of Civil Rights in Arkansas
Another pivotal moment came three years after the landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. In 1957, when nine Black students aimed to enroll at Little Rock Central High School, then-Governor Orval Faubus used the Arkansas National Guard to block their entry. This prompted President Dwight D. Eisenhower to federalize the Guard, redirecting them to protect the students instead. Additionally, he dispatched the 101st Airborne Division, marking a significant moment in the federal enforcing of civil rights.
Union Troops in the Draft Riots
The complexities of military interventions in American cities are further highlighted by the events during the Civil War. A new draft law, which allowed affluent individuals to pay to avoid military conscription, incited protests among working-class Irish immigrants. This discontent erupted into four days of racially charged riots in New York City, aimed at African American communities. To restore order, President Abraham Lincoln redirected seasoned Union troops from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to quell the violent unrest.
Lessons from History
The deployment of military units within cities in response to civil unrest raises essential questions about the balance of power between civilian authorities and federal military forces. As recent events unfold, history offers critical insights into the consequences of such interventions and underscores the importance of effective communication and coordination between military and civilian entities.
As discussions continue regarding the appropriate response to domestic crises, looking back at these historically significant moments serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of governance, civil rights, and public safety in America.
