LOS ANGELES, June 14 — US Marines deployed to Los Angeles detained a civilian for the first time on Friday, marking a rare instance of military involvement in domestic law enforcement ahead of widespread protests against President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington.
LOS ANGELES, June 14 — US Marines deployed to Los Angeles detained a civilian for the first time on Friday, marking a rare instance of military involvement in domestic law enforcement ahead of widespread protests against President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington.
The man, identified as 27-year-old Army veteran and naturalized citizen Marcos Leao, was held for nearly two hours before being handed over to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Leao, an immigrant of Portuguese and Angolan descent, said he was detained after inadvertently stepping into a restricted area while attempting to reach the Veterans Administration office at the Wilshire Federal Building.
“I complied with everything they asked,” Leao said, noting that the Marines mistook him for a protester. “They treated me fairly and explained that tensions are high and everyone is just trying to do their job.”
The military confirmed the detention after being presented with images by Reuters, stating that under specific circumstances, active-duty personnel may temporarily detain individuals until civilian law enforcement assumes custody.
Roughly 200 Marines were assigned to secure federal buildings in Los Angeles as part of a broader deployment of 700 Marines supporting the National Guard amid growing unrest over immigration raids ordered by the Trump administration. This move came despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Saturday is expected to see around 1,800 anti-Trump protests across the country, including at least 15 in Los Angeles alone, in opposition to the military parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US Army and coinciding with Trump's 79th birthday.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, joined by local officials, condemned the raids and military deployment, calling on protesters to remain peaceful. “These raids have spread fear and panic,” Bass said. “How much power can the federal government seize from states and cities before Americans say enough?”
Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized that while demonstrations have continued for eight consecutive days, fewer than 1 percent of participants have caused disturbances. Those arrested face charges including assaulting officers, looting, and property damage.
To maintain order, Bass has imposed a curfew in a one-square-mile section of downtown Los Angeles, which will remain in place indefinitely. “If the raids stop, the curfew will likely be lifted shortly after,” she said.
The deployment of active-duty troops and the detention of a US citizen on American soil remain highly unusual, raising concerns about the politicization of federal authority. Critics argue that Trump’s approach—marked by aggressive tactics and symbolic shows of power—risks blurring the lines between civilian and military roles. — Reuters
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