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
In June 2025, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests against immigration enforcement actions. This deployment was part of a broader military response to civil unrest linked to federal immigration raids in the area (source-1, source-3). The protests were fueled by anger over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, which many critics argued were tearing apart families and communities (source-2).
The deployment occurred despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who stated that the situation in Los Angeles was manageable without military intervention. He expressed concerns that the deployment could exacerbate tensions rather than alleviate them (source-4). The National Guard had initially sent 2,000 troops, which was later increased to the total mentioned in the claim (source-5).
Analysis
The claim that Trump deployed 700 Marines and 4,000 California National Guard troops is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported on the deployment, confirming the numbers and the context surrounding the protests (source-3). Furthermore, the New York Times and BBC corroborated these figures, detailing the military's involvement in managing civil unrest linked to immigration policy protests (source-2, source-4).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The Associated Press and BBC are particularly known for their rigorous journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that the context of the deployment is politically charged, with differing interpretations of the necessity and implications of military involvement in civil matters.
While some local officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, opposed the deployment, stating that the situation was under control and that military presence could escalate tensions, the Trump administration maintained that the deployment was necessary to ensure public safety (source-5). This divergence in perspectives highlights the contentious nature of the issue.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump deployed 700 Marines and 4,000 California National Guard troops to respond to protests in Los Angeles is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms the numbers and the context of the deployment, which was a response to significant civil unrest related to immigration enforcement actions.
Sources
- What military experts are saying: Veterans unite against ...
- Immigration Protests Live Updates: Marines Take Over ...
- Marines deployed to LA to respond to immigration protests
- Appeals court temporarily allows Trump to keep National ...
- Appeals court allows Trump to keep National Guard in L.A. ...
- 700 Marines Are Deploying to LA Protests to Join Federal ...
- Qui est Massad Boulos, ce libanais conseiller de TRUMP
- Is Trump's Troop Deployment to Los Angeles Illegal?