Hundreds of US Marines arrived in Los Angeles overnight, with more predicted Tuesday under orders from President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump has revitalized 4,000 National Guard troops to quell the protest despite objections from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other local leaders, Reuters reported.
The city has seen public outrage since the Trump administration launched a string of immigration attacks on Friday, but local officials said Monday’s demonstrations were almost peaceful.
About half of the roughly 700 Marines Trump ordered in Los Angeles arrived Monday night, with the rest of the units entering the city on Tuesday, U.S. officials told Reuters. The US military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told KABC that over 100 people were arrested Monday, but the majority of the protesters were non-violent. Over the weekend, protesters threw rocks and other objects at officers and vehicles, burning several cars. Police responded by firing projectiles like pepper balls and firing flash bang renades and tear gas.
Trump justified his decision to deploy an active army in Los Angeles by describing the protest as a violent city occupation.