Jul 21, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Pentagon withdraws Marines sent to LA after anti-ICE protests

Sareen Habeshian

A demonstrator faces a Marine during protests against federal immigration operations in Los Angeles, California on July 4. Photo: Etienne Laurent / AFP via Getty Images — A demonstrator faces a Marine during protests against federal immigration operations in Los Angeles on July 4. Photo: Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images

Some 700 Marines are being withdrawn from Los Angeles more than a month after they were deployed to respond to protests against federal immigration raids, the Pentagon announced Monday.

The big picture: The Trump administration mobilized more than 4,000 California National Guard troops and roughly 700 Marines in response to the protests, despite objections from California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

About half of the Guard members who were mobilized were also pulled last week.

Driving the news: "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," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement.

"Their rapid response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence were instrumental in restoring order and upholding the rule of law," he added.

Catch up quick: City and state leaders decried the federal government's decision to deploy the military to Los Angeles.

Newsom filed a lawsuit last month in an attempt to block the military deployment.
The Department of Justice, meanwhile, alleged in a lawsuit against the city that its sanctuary policies led to "lawlessness, rioting, looting, and vandalism."

Go deeper: Pentagon withdraws 2,000 California National Guard troops from LA

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Pentagon withdraws Marines sent to LA after anti-ICE protests

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