Los angeles: US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has ordered the redeployment of 700 marines who were deployed to Los Angeles last month amid protests against a crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced on Monday that with stability returning to Los Angeles, the marines could be withdrawn from the city.
According to Ghana News Agency, the marines' deployment was in response to protests against President Trump's hard-line stance on immigration, which saw him mobilize 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 marines in the city. This move faced opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Pentagon spokesman Parnell stated that the marines played a vital role in restoring order and upholding the rule of law, emphasizing that their presence sent a clear message against lawlessness. Despite the withdrawal of marines, around 2,000 National Guard members remain in Los Angeles, tasked with protecting federal personnel and property.
Governor Newsom criticized the military deployments, stating there was no need for the military to act against civilians in Los Angeles. He urged the Trump administration to end militarization efforts, highlighting the damage caused by these actions.
President Trump has focused his immigration crackdown on Democrat-led cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, in an effort to enforce stricter immigration laws. Mass deportations have been a central promise of Trump's election campaign, with his administration actively staging raids and publicizing their efforts since he returned to office.
The United States is home to an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants, many of whom work in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
