Trump accused of using LA as ‘test case' for powers as 700 Marines deployed
The Trump administration is deploying 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, armed with service weapons and authorized to act in self-defense, to address protests against federal immigration raids.
Local officials, including L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have criticized the deployment, with Bass accusing the White House of using the city as a "test case" and Newsom filing a lawsuit against the federal government.
The Marines will be equipped with gas masks and shields but forbidden from using tear gas or warning shots, and instructed to de-escalate conflicts.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth 's threat to deploy troops reportedly blindsided local officials, and the Pentagon is working on clarifying rules for the Marines' use of force.
Legal experts, such as Elizabeth Goitein, raise concerns about the legal authority for the Marines to engage with civilians.
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