On June 6, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted large-scale raids in Los Angeles, arresting 118 undocumented immigrants, including 44 in one operation. These actions, part of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy, targeted a city with a significant undocumented population. The raids triggered immediate unrest, with crowds gathering outside federal facilities like the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. By June 9, riots had spread across Los Angeles County, involving violence, property damage, and use of Molotov cocktails. The arrest of union leader David Huerta on June 6 further escalated tensions, leading to larger gatherings in areas like Huntington Park and Whittier.
National Guard and Marines Mobilized
On June 7, President Trump deployed 2,000 California National Guard troops under Title 10 to secure federal property and personnel, with the number increasing to 4,000 by June 9. On June 9, 700 active-duty Marines from Twentynine Palms were mobilized to support federal law enforcement, including ICE agents, filling gaps until additional National Guard troops could be deployed. The Marines’ role is limited to protecting federal assets, though their specific rules of engagement remain undisclosed. The deployment was authorized without the approval of California state officials, prompting significant controversy.
Legal Framework
The deployment is authorized under Title 10, which permits federal troops to protect government property and personnel. The Posse Comitatus Act restricts active-duty military from domestic law enforcement, but Title 10 provides an exception for federal asset protection, and the Insurrection Act was not invoked. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass opposed the federal action, with Newsom filing a lawsuit claiming it violates state authority. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell issued a statement Friday saying, “I want to make it clear: the LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement.”
