US Marines Detain Civilian in Los Angeles Amid Rising Protests

LOS ANGELES: On June 13, 2025, United States Marines deployed to Los Angeles made their first arrest of a civilian, a significant event that underscores the growing tension between federal military forces and local law enforcement amid widespread protests. The detention of Marcos Leao, a 27-year-old U.S. Army veteran, occurred outside the Wilshire Federal Building and marks a rare instance of military involvement in domestic policing, a move that has drawn both support and criticism across the nation.

The Marines' deployment came as a direct response to escalating protests against President Donald Trump's controversial military parade scheduled for Washington, D.C., coinciding with his 79th birthday. Approximately 1,800 protests were planned nationwide, with 15 expected in Los Angeles alone, as citizens expressed their discontent over recent immigration raids and military presence in civilian areas. Mayor Karen Bass, accompanied by over two dozen elected officials, urged demonstrators to maintain peace, stating, "We are here today because the raids have caused fear and panic."

This military action is unprecedented in the United States, raising questions about the balance of power between federal and state authorities. Governor Gavin Newsom of California has opposed the deployment, arguing that it undermines state jurisdiction. In a press conference, Bass questioned, "Can the federal government come in and seize power from a state and from a local jurisdiction? How much will the American people put up with?"

The deployment of around 200 Marines, part of a larger force of 700 supporting National Guard operations, was officially described as a protective measure for federal property and personnel. Army Major General Scott Sherman, overseeing the deployment, confirmed the Marines are authorized to temporarily detain individuals but must hand them over to civilian law enforcement for formal arrests.

The incident involving Leao highlights the potential for miscommunication and the complexities of military-police interactions in civilian contexts. Witnessed by Reuters, Leao was detained under the impression that he was crossing into a restricted area while visiting the Veterans Administration office. After his release, he stated, "They treated me very fairly," suggesting a level of understanding amid the stressful situation.

Military involvement in domestic policing is historically controversial in the United States. According to Dr. Emily Carter, a Political Science professor at Stanford University, "The militarization of police forces has been a growing concern in America, and the deployment of active duty troops in civilian settings is a slippery slope that could lead to further erosion of civil liberties."

The protests in Los Angeles have continued for eight consecutive days, sparked by the immigration raids that many argue disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna noted that while the majority of protesters are peaceful, a small faction has engaged in violence, leading to arrests for assault and property damage. The sheriff emphasized the importance of distinguishing between legitimate protesters and those seeking to incite chaos.

In response to the unrest, Mayor Bass has enacted a curfew in parts of downtown Los Angeles, which she stated would remain in place until the causes of the unrest are addressed. "We are hoping that if the cause of the turmoil ends, which is stopping the raids, then I can almost guarantee you the curfew will go away in short order," Bass remarked.

The implications of this incident extend beyond Los Angeles, as the potential for military involvement in domestic matters raises significant constitutional questions. As the nation grapples with issues of governance, civil rights, and public safety, the situation in Los Angeles serves as a critical case study of the intersections between military authority and civilian life in the United States.