U.S. military personnel deployed to Los Angeles can temporarily detain individuals during protests until police arrive, officials confirmed Wednesday, sparking fiery debates about the role of armed forces in domestic affairs. 🎤💥
Protests Spread Nationwide
Demonstrations against President Trump’s immigration raids have exploded from California to cities across the U.S., with organizers planning hundreds of rallies this weekend. While most protests remain peaceful, clashes in LA led to 225 arrests this week, including curfew violations and looting incidents.
Military Rules of Engagement
Major General Scott Sherman clarified that 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops won’t carry live ammunition or make arrests. However, they can detain people to 'protect federal property' – a policy critics say blurs lines between military and civilian law enforcement. ⚖️🔒
California Governor Gavin Newsom has sued to block the deployment, arguing it violates an 1878 law limiting military involvement in domestic policing. Meanwhile, ICE shared photos of troops standing guard during raids, fueling concerns about expanded federal power. 📸🚔
As tensions rise, LA Mayor Karen Bass imposed a downtown curfew while activists prepare for weekend rallies. With Trump claiming the troops 'prevented chaos' and local leaders calling it overreach, this clash of authority shows no signs of cooling down. 🌆🔥
