Army Vet's Detainment by Marines Raises Alarm Over Military-Civilian Boundaries

An incident involving the detainment of a U.S. Army veteran by Marines during protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles is capturing national attention and raising concerns about the military's growing role in domestic law enforcement.

Marcos Leao, a 27-year-old Army veteran, encountered a tense situation while attempting to run errands. In a Hawaiian shirt and headphones, Leao navigated through police tape close to the Wilshire Federal Building, where Marines and National Guardsmen were stationed under federal orders to enhance security amid the ongoing protests.

Leao stated that he was unaware of being in a restricted area and promptly complied when requested to step back behind the tape. Upon presenting his identification at the Veterans Affairs entrance, he thought the issue was resolved. Shortly thereafter, a Marine allegedly yelled at him to lie down and apprehended him at gunpoint.

“I was just enjoying some music, not looking to stir anything up,” Leao stated. “In an instant, I found myself on the ground, hands raised, encircled by Marines.”

Although Leao was ultimately freed without any charges, there is significant concern among civil rights advocates. Legal experts and veterans' organizations highlight that the incident showcases the unclear boundaries between military assistance and civilian law enforcement — a distinction safeguarded by the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits active-duty military involvement in domestic policing.

“This raises serious questions,” stated Angela Perez, a representative for the American Civil Liberties Union. “The deployment of active military personnel for managing crowds or detaining individuals within the United States poses a risk to constitutional safeguards.”

Officials have recognized the challenges associated with joint operations amid civil unrest, but the Department of Defense has not yet released a public statement regarding the incident.

The rising presence of service members in urban areas, framed as emergency assistance, highlights Leao’s situation as a cautionary tale regarding the unforeseen impacts of military engagement in civilian affairs, particularly for veterans who have served.