President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard members to respond to immigration protests in Los Angeles, according to the Pentagon’s chief spokesman. The latest order brings the total number of Guard put on federal orders for the protests to more than 4,100.
The news comes hours after the Pentagon deployed about 700 Marines to the protests to the city.
- Marines deployed: The troops will be used to protect federal property and personnel, including immigration agents, and are prohibited from performing law enforcement duties under the Posse Comitatus Act. The Pentagon is drafting guidelines that will explain to the Marines what they can and cannot do, a U.S. official said.
- California sues Trump: The state sued the president over his deployment of the Guard troops as growing numbers of demonstrators took to the city’s streets for a fourth day. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit by telling reporters that Trump had “trampled” the state’s sovereignty.
- Trump threatens to arrest Newsom: “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it’s great,” Trump said, referencing Tom Homan, the administration’s border czar, who warned that anyone, including public officials, would be arrested if they obstructed federal immigration enforcement. “Come after me, arrest me. Let’s just get it over with, tough guy,” Newsom said in response.
Associated Press: Live updates on the LA protests: Trump authorizes the deployment of additional 2,000 National Guard members
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