US Marines make first detention after deployment in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES—US Marines deployed to Los Angeles made their first detention of a civilian on Friday, part of a rare use of military force to support domestic police and coming ahead of national protests over President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington.
The detention of a the man, a US Army veteran and an immigrant who obtained US citizenship, punctuated a series of highly unusual events that have appealed to Trump supporters but outraged other Americans who are demonstrating discontent in the streets.
Trump ordered the Marines to Los Angeles in response to street protests over raids and arrests of illegal immigrants—many of whom the administration has identified as “criminals”—joining National Guard forces already deployed to the city over the objection of California’s governor.
Troops necessary
Trump said troops were necessary to quell riots that have broken out in Los Angeles—a contention that state and local officials dispute despite scenes of burning property and attacks on law enforcers.
About 1,800 protests are scheduled across the United States on Saturday in opposition to the Washington military parade that marks the 250th anniversary of the US Army and coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Both the military parade and domestic use of active duty troops are uncommon for the United States, as was the military detention of a US citizen on American soil.
It was also unusual when federal agents forcibly removed and handcuffed a US senator on Thursday who suddenly interrupted a press conference by Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem.
But Democratic opponents are starting to push back. Fifteen protests are expected in Los Angeles alone, Mayor Karen Bass said, urging people to remain peaceful.
“We are here today because the raids have caused fear and panic,” Bass said, joined by two dozen elected officials to oppose the raids and military presence.
‘Fair’ treatment
About 200 Marines were assigned to protect the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, part of a battalion of 700 Marines sent to support the National Guard, said Army Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, who is in command of both the National Guard and Marine forces.
The Marines and National Guard deployed in Los Angeles are assigned to protect federal property and personnel and may temporarily detain people, but they are required to turn them over to civilian law enforcement for any formal arrest.
Reuters witnessed Marines detain one person at the Wilshire Federal Building.
Reuters images showed Marines restraining his hands with zip ties and then handing him over to civilians from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) nearly two hours later.
The detained man, Marcos Leao, 27, an immigrant and a US Army veteran, said after he was released that he was told to get on the ground upon venturing into a restricted area, as he crossed a line of yellow tape to avoid walking around the building.
Leao, who said he is Portuguese and Angolan and became a US citizen through the military, said the Marines apparently mistook him for a protester when he simply had business with the Veterans Administration office inside the building.
“They treated me very fairly,” Leao said, adding that he was told, “Understand, this is a whole stressful situation for everybody, and we all have a job.”
Meanwhile, Los Angeles demonstrations continued for an eighth straight day, over anti-illegal immigration raids.
