With stability restored after anti-ICE protests, the Pentagon recalls 700 Marines from Los Angeles following court battles and political pushback.

700 Marines Ordered to Leave Los Angeles

The Department of Defense announced the withdrawal of 700 U.S. Marines from Los Angeles, California, on Monday, signaling a return to stability following weeks of unrest tied to protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The Marines had been deployed since early June, along with approximately 4,000 federalized National Guard troops, after violent demonstrations erupted in opposition to ICE policies and actions.

During their mission, the Marines were tasked exclusively with defending federal properties, including the ICE office and detention facility in downtown Los Angeles. “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,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated. He emphasized the Marines’ “rapid response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence,” which he credited as instrumental in restoring order and upholding the rule of law. Parnell added, “We’re deeply grateful for their service, and for the strength and professionalism they brought to this mission.”

Local Leaders and Legal Challenges

The Pentagon’s decision to withdraw the Marines follows the earlier removal of half the National Guard troops stationed in the city. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the news, describing it as “another win for Los Angeles” and for military personnel. “Just this morning I stood with veterans, families of active-duty officers, and business leaders to show the impact of this unnecessary, unprecedented, and unconstitutional assault on our city,” Bass said. “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.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom also opposed the federal deployment, filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for sending National Guard troops without state approval. Newsom argued that the use of Guard troops likely violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the role of the military in domestic law enforcement. An initial federal court ruling sided with Newsom, declaring the deployment illegal and outside the president’s authority. However, that order was later overturned by an appeals court, keeping federal control over the troops intact. The ongoing legal battle is set for another hearing next month to determine whether the continued deployment breaches the Posse Comitatus Act.

Although the original National Guard deployment was authorized for 60 days, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth retained the flexibility to adjust the timeline based on evolving conditions, as noted in a recent court filing. The Defense Department’s handling of the situation in Los Angeles has reignited national debates about the limits of federal intervention in local crises and the proper role of the military in maintaining civil order.

As the legal process continues, and federal forces withdraw, Los Angeles leaders and residents are left to grapple with the long-term implications for federal-state relations and the rights of local communities facing future unrest.