(Scypre.com) – U.S. Marines were deployed to the streets of downtown Los Angeles Tuesday night, as ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spiraled into widespread civil unrest. In response, the city’s mayor declared a curfew for several central districts, citing escalating violence and property destruction.
The military deployment, authorized by President Donald Trump, followed three consecutive nights of protests that began as demonstrations against ICE detentions but quickly devolved into looting, arson, and attacks on law enforcement. The move comes amid growing national tension over immigration enforcement and the role of federal power in local jurisdictions.
“Order must be restored in Los Angeles,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “These are not peaceful protests — these are domestic riots. We will not let America burn.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal intervention, calling it an “unconstitutional overreach” and a “blatant attempt to militarize domestic politics.” Despite his filing of an emergency injunction to block the deployment, a federal judge ruled late Tuesday that Trump’s order did not violate the Posse Comitatus Act.
“The people of California deserve protection, not provocation,” Newsom said during a press briefing. “We will use every legal channel to ensure the safety of our communities without authoritarian interference.”
Mayor Karen Bass announced a 9:00 PM curfew in several downtown zones, with police checkpoints established at major intersections. Helicopters circled overhead while Marines patrolled alongside LAPD riot squads.
“I haven’t seen this since the Rodney King riots,” said Martin Hernandez, a local restaurant owner. “It’s surreal — and terrifying. My windows are shattered, and there’s no one to hold accountable.”
Video footage circulating online showed armored military vehicles rolling through the Financial District, while protestors clashed with authorities near Union Station. More than 100 arrests were made Tuesday night alone, with at least 30 injuries reported — including two Marines and several civilians.
The deployment has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights organizations, while receiving praise from conservative leaders and law enforcement unions.
Legal experts are split on the implications. “The president has the authority to deploy the National Guard under the Insurrection Act, but deploying active-duty Marines is murkier,” said constitutional scholar Dr. Laura Kim. “This may set a dangerous precedent.”
The Department of Justice has defended the legality of the move, citing threats to public safety and infrastructure.
With tensions still high, both the Trump administration and California officials are bracing for further unrest. Additional protests are scheduled for the weekend, and Newsom has hinted at appealing the court decision.
In the meantime, Los Angeles remains under curfew, and its downtown core looks more like a war zone than a city of angels.