Fact Check: Trump Deployed 700 Marines and 4,000 of California's National Guard Troops to Respond to Protests in Los Angeles
What We Know
On June 8, 2025, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 700 Marines and 4,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid escalating protests related to immigration enforcement actions in the city. This deployment was characterized as a response to what Trump described as a "rebellion" against federal immigration policies (AP News, Reuters). The initial deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops began on June 7, and the additional 2,000 were ordered shortly thereafter (New York Times). The deployment was met with significant opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials, who argued that it was unnecessary and potentially dangerous (BBC, Rolling Stone).
Analysis
The claim that Trump deployed 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops is supported by multiple credible sources. The AP News reported that the deployment was part of a broader strategy to manage protests that had turned violent, with demonstrators blocking freeways and engaging in confrontations with law enforcement (AP News). Furthermore, the New York Times confirmed the numbers, stating that the Pentagon mobilized these forces to assist local law enforcement in managing the protests (New York Times).
However, the deployment raised legal and ethical questions. A federal judge ruled that Trump's actions were illegal, stating that he did not follow the proper legal protocols for deploying National Guard troops without the consent of the state governor (BBC, PBS). This legal challenge highlights the contentious nature of the deployment, as local officials, including Governor Newsom, expressed that the military presence was unwarranted and could exacerbate tensions (Reuters, Rolling Stone).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this event is generally high, with major news outlets like the AP, Reuters, and New York Times providing detailed coverage. These organizations have established reputations for fact-checking and journalistic integrity, although they may have varying editorial perspectives.
Conclusion
The claim that President Trump deployed 700 Marines and 4,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to protests is True. The deployment was confirmed by multiple reputable sources and is documented in official statements from the Trump administration. Despite the legal challenges and local opposition, the numbers reported are accurate and reflect the significant military presence in response to the protests.
Sources
- Marines deployed to LA to respond to immigration protests
- Appeals court temporarily allows Trump to keep National Guard in L.A.
- 700 Marines Are Deploying to LA Protests to Join Federal
- Appeals court temporarily allows Trump to keep National
- Is Trump's Troop Deployment to Los Angeles Illegal?
- What U.S. law says about Trump's deployment of active
