Fact Check: "A group of 200 Marines will begin protecting federal property and personnel in downtown Los Angeles at noon Friday."
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, approximately 200 Marines were deployed to Los Angeles to guard the Wilshire Federal Building. This deployment was part of a broader military presence in response to ongoing protests related to federal immigration enforcement operations in the area. The Marines began their assignment at noon on that Friday, replacing National Guard members who had been providing security at the location (AP News, CBS News).
The deployment was ordered by President Trump, who had previously federalized over 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines in response to the protests. This military presence was described by California Governor Gavin Newsom as a "serious breach of state sovereignty" (CBS News). The Marines, while armed and wearing combat gear, were explicitly stated to be focused on protecting federal property and personnel, and not on law enforcement activities (PBS News).
Analysis
The claim that "a group of 200 Marines will begin protecting federal property and personnel in downtown Los Angeles at noon Friday" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported that the Marines took over security duties from National Guard members to allow them to focus on law enforcement operations (AP News). CBS News corroborated this information, confirming that the Marines began their assignment at the specified time and location (CBS News).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are well-established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The Associated Press, in particular, is known for its rigorous journalistic standards. Additionally, the information provided by military officials, such as Maj. Gen. Scott M. Sherman, adds credibility to the claim, as it comes directly from the command overseeing the deployment (PBS News).
While there are political tensions surrounding this deployment, the factual basis of the Marines' presence in Los Angeles is clear and supported by multiple reports. There were also incidents reported where Marines temporarily detained individuals, which aligns with their stated mission of protecting federal personnel (CBS News).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that a group of 200 Marines began protecting federal property and personnel in downtown Los Angeles at noon on Friday is accurate. This is supported by multiple reliable news sources and official statements from military personnel involved in the operation. The deployment was part of a broader response to protests and was characterized by a clear mission to safeguard federal facilities rather than engage in law enforcement.
