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Residents of Los Angeles can expect to see Marines in their community starting Thursday, as protective operations coordinated with the National Guard are set to begin on Friday.
Approximately 700 Marines have been deployed by President Donald Trump to Seal Beach, situated south of Los Angeles County. Their training focuses on nonlethal weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and crowd control techniques.
Following the completion of their training, the Marines have transitioned to familiarization training alongside the National Guard in Los Angeles, according to a U.S. defense official. This phase aims to prepare them for potential operations in the area.
Currently, the Marines are not yet in operational capacity, as they finish up their training alongside the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The official indicated that sightings of Marines in the L.A. area could begin as early as Thursday.
In addition, over 2,000 National Guardsmen are on standby in Los Angeles, ready to respond as protests are anticipated to continue throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, widespread protests named ‘No Kings’ are planned across the United States. These events will take place alongside a military parade in Washington D.C. to commemorate the Army’s 250th anniversary and Flag Day.
Interestingly, these protests will coincide with President Trump’s 79th birthday, adding further significance to the planned demonstrations.
Though the Marines are specifically tasked with the protection of federal property and support for law enforcement under the direction of NORTHCOM, the operational costs associated with deploying military forces have sparked criticism. Estimates suggest that the deployment of Marines and National Guard troops to California could cost taxpayers around $134 million, diverting funds from essential operations and maintenance budgets.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, emphasized the necessity for troops in ensuring the safety of the city and its residents.
During the hearing, Hegseth engaged with Senate Democrats on the justification for the Marine deployment amid ongoing protests. He clarified that the military presence was not about lethality but maintaining public order.
Hegseth remarked, “[It’s] not about lethality. It’s about maintaining law and order on behalf of law enforcement agents who deserve to do their job without being attacked by mobs of people.” He expressed pride in the deployment of the National Guard and Marines to support ICE agents amidst protest enforcements.
Despite legal pushback from California Governor Gavin Newsom, Hegseth asserted that there is significant precedent for federal support in assisting law enforcement during civil unrest.
As the situation develops, both local law enforcement and military personnel will play crucial roles in managing the protests and ensuring public safety. The collaboration between the National Guard and Marines aims to provide a measured, non-lethal response in the event of escalating tensions.
With such large-scale protests planned across major cities, the visibility and preparedness of military personnel remain pivotal in addressing any potential unrest. As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Los Angeles and other cities nationwide as they navigate these complex dynamics.
Such developments raise important questions about the balance between public safety, military involvement in civilian matters, and the financial implications of deploying troops for domestic operations. Stakeholders from various sectors will undoubtedly continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds.
This forthcoming weekend promises to be significant not only for political demonstrations but also for the interplay between public sentiment, law enforcement, and military readiness.
As we approach these planned events, it is essential to stay informed about measures taken by both local authorities and federal agencies to maintain order and ensure safety for all citizens involved.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
