U.S. Defense Secretary Threatens to Deploy Marines Amid Unrest in Los Angeles

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on June 7 that Marine Corps units could be deployed to Los Angeles if violent protests continue—a move that has drawn sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

“The Pentagon is activating the National Guard to support federal law enforcement in Los Angeles. If violence escalates, Marine units stationed at Camp Pendleton will be deployed. They’re on high alert,” Hegseth said in a press briefing.

He emphasized that under President Donald Trump, violence and destruction targeting federal agents or property “will not be tolerated.”

Camp Pendleton, located just south of Los Angeles, is one of the largest Marine bases in the U.S., housing around 42,000 active-duty Marines, not including reservists.

California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the suggestion as “unhinged,” repeating his opposition to even the National Guard deployment. “This is deliberate provocation that will only heighten tensions,” he wrote on social media.

Tensions in Los Angeles have been rising since June 6, when ICE agents—armed and masked—raided workplaces across the city in a crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The raids sparked outrage and led to prolonged clashes between protesters and federal officers.

The unrest intensified on June 7 in Paramount, a largely Latino community in southeast L.A., where ICE expanded its operations. Protests quickly followed.

That evening, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump had signed a memo authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to “restore order and respond to ongoing lawlessness.”

Bill Essayli, a federal prosecutor in California, said the Guard could arrive within 24 hours. While affirming the public’s right to protest, he warned that those who engage in violence or disruption “will face prosecution.”

(Sources: The Guardian, LA Times)

Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.

Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?

We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from

Los Angeles Airport - LAX

Long Beach Airport - LGB

John Wayne Airport - SNA

San Pedro cruise port

Long Beach cruise port

Disneyland

and other destinations.

Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!