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Pentagon withdraws 700 Marines from LA after month-long deployment

Pentagon withdraws 700 Marines from LA after month-long deployment

India Today21 hours ago
The Pentagon on Monday announced the withdrawal of some 700 active-duty Marines from Los Angeles, ending a month-long deployment aimed at protecting federal property and personnel amid protests triggered by President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement actions.The Marines, sent in June against the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom, were dispatched alongside nearly 4,000 National Guard troops to counter unrest tied to workplace immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision to send troops marked one of the Trump administration's most forceful uses of the military on domestic soil.advertisement'With stability returning to Los Angeles, the Secretary has directed the redeployment of the 700 Marines whose presence sent a clear message: Lawlessness will not be tolerated,' Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement.COURT BACKS TRUMP'S MILITARY DEPLOYMENT
The military deployment sparked fierce political debate over the federal government's use of military force in American cities. Despite court challenges, a federal appeals court upheld Trump's authority to control the California National Guard, further escalating tensions between the White House and state officials.The Marines' withdrawal follows last week's partial drawdown of National Guard forces, with about half of the 4,000 troops already removed from Los Angeles.Parnell praised the Marines for their conduct during the deployment. 'Their rapid response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence were instrumental in restoring order and upholding the rule of law,' he said.President Trump has relied on the military as part of his crackdown on illegal immigration, vowing to deport millions and ramping up raids, including at California farms that had largely been spared during his first term. The administration has faced numerous lawsuits over its tactics.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersMust Watch
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