The Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Jim McDonnell, has expressed concern over not being formally informed about the deployment of US Marines to the city amid ongoing protests. The Pentagon, under the leadership of Pete Hegseth, recently ordered around 700 Marines to Los Angeles to support federal agencies in managing the unrest.
However, McDonnell claims that the LAPD was not briefed about this federal military deployment in advance.
“The LAPD has not received any formal notification that the Marines will be arriving in Los Angeles,” McDonnell said in a statement on Monday.
He emphasized that the arrival of federal troops without clear communication could complicate the city’s operational efforts to manage the protests effectively.
“The possible arrival of federal military forces in Los Angeles—absent clear coordination—presents a significant logistical and operational challenge for those of us charged with safeguarding this city. The Los Angeles Police Department, alongside our mutual aid partners, have decades of experience managing large-scale public demonstrations, and we remain confident in our ability to do so professionally and effectively,” McDonnell stated.
He further underscored that ensuring the safety of both civilians and officers remains the LAPD’s top priority.
“That said, our top priority is the safety of both the public and the officers on the ground. We are urging open and continuous lines of communication between all agencies to prevent confusion, avoid escalation, and ensure a coordinated, lawful, and orderly response during this critical time,” he added.
The remarks come as tensions escalate in Los Angeles over federal immigration enforcement raids, leading to widespread protests and arrests across the city.
McDonnell’s call for transparency and coordination underscores the complexities of managing large public demonstrations when multiple agencies are involved.