The US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) confirmed on Monday the deployment of 700 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division to Los Angeles. These Marines have joined Task Force 51, a rapid-response unit supporting homeland security operations amid ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Led by Major General Scott M Sherman, Task Force 51 now includes a total of 2,800 personnel—comprising 2,100 federalized National Guard soldiers and the newly deployed Marines from Twentynine Palms, California.
A press release said the deployment aims to ensure “continuous coverage” to protect federal personnel and property in coordination with civil authorities. The force has been trained in crowd control, de-escalation techniques, and the rules for the use of force.
Notably, no reference was made to invoking the Insurrection Act, which would authorize broader military authority for domestic law enforcement.
Background and Fallout
The move comes amid violent clashes, including reports of ‘incendiary devices’ being thrown at police horses. The protests have sparked legal and political tensions, with California Attorney General Rob Bonta announcing plans to sue the Trump administration, accusing the president of illegally mobilizing state National Guard troops, claiming this action trampled on state sovereignty.
“We don’t take lightly to the president abusing his authority and unlawfully mobilizing California National Guard troops,” Bonta stated.
Major General Scott M Sherman, Deputy Commander of US Army North, oversees Task Force 51’s operations and is experienced in coordinating joint military-civilian homeland defense missions.