New Wave of Marines Arrives in Los Angeles as First Deployed Units Rotate Out

Approximately 400 Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, are set to arrive in Los Angeles to take over from 700 Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, who have been on deployment since early June. 

Officials have announced the release of approximately 150 California National Guardsmen from federal duty in the city, as stated by U.S. Northern Command and Task Force 51.

Fresh Marines are taking over the duties of troops stationed to protect federal buildings following the protests that ignited on June 6 in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. President Donald Trump has taken the step to federalize National Guard and Marine units to safeguard federal property and personnel. 

The Marines have primarily focused on security duties at federal locations such as the Wilshire Federal Building, while specific National Guard units have joined ICE agents during operations.

Images shared on June 26 by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service subtly showcased the upcoming rotation of Marine units. Nonetheless, the 1st Marine Division and Task Force 51 did not officially disclose the deployment until July 1.

Initially, 700 Marines made their way to Los Angeles following several days of training in Orange County, focusing on rules for the use of force and less-than-lethal tactics. Upon arriving in the city on June 13, they commenced the process of securing federal buildings. During their initial shift, they apprehended an Army veteran who was mistakenly identified as a potential threat.

Alongside the Marines, over 2,000 National Guard troops have been mobilized under Title 10 authority. Many of these troops are tasked with securing federal sites, while others are involved in federal operations, including a significant DEA initiative near the Salton Sea.

While the large-scale “No Kings” protests on June 14 have subsided, smaller gatherings persist in downtown Los Angeles, where individuals are advocating for the removal of the military from the city. 

In the latest updates, officials emphasize that the security mission is still active and is not confined to Southern California.