The U.S. military will temporarily send around 700 Marines to Los Angeles on Monday to increase security during the ongoing protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. These protests have continued for four days and have become more intense.

The Marines will work with the National Guard forces that are already present in the city. Officials say this is a temporary decision to support security. The total number of National Guard members is expected to go above 4,000 later this week. This comes after the Trump administration ordered 2,000 more National Guard troops to be sent.

However, the Pentagon has not yet used the Insurrection Act, which would allow the military to directly help in law enforcement. Officials say they are trying to avoid that step.
"A battalion will be sent, but for now, the Insurrection Act is not expected to be invoked," said one official who did not want to be named. "The situation is fluid and could change."

California criticises deployment of troops

California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted strongly to the decision. He said that only 300 National Guard troops have actually been deployed, while “the rest are sitting, unused, in federal buildings without orders.”
He added, “The first 2,000? Given no food or water,” in a post on social media.
“This isn’t about public safety. It’s about stroking a dangerous president’s ego. This is Reckless. Pointless. And disrespectful to our troops,” he wrote.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta also spoke out. On Monday, he said the state has sued the Trump administration.
“We don’t take lightly to the president abusing his authority and unlawfully mobilising California National Guard troops,” Bonta said. He called the troop deployment "an unlawful abuse of power" and said it harmed the state’s rights.

Trump defends military action

Protesters in Los Angeles have been marching in large numbers. They are upset about the government’s recent strict immigration actions, which include fast-track deportations and workplace raids. Many residents are worried about the strong military presence. They feel it looks like the city is being treated like a war zone.

President Trump, however, defended his actions. On Monday, he said, "The city would have been completely obliterated if we hadn’t sent in the Guard."

The Pentagon said the total number of National Guard members now ordered for the protests is more than 4,100.

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