Pentagon withdraws 700 active-duty Marines deployed in Los Angeles amid anti-ICE protests

The Pentagon on Monday announced that roughly 700 Marines that were deployed to Los Angeles last month to combat anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests are being sent back home.  

The Marines were deployed after President Donald Trump activated over 2,000 National Guard troops to protect federal properties during the protests. The Marines were trained in "de-escalation, crowd control, and standing rules for the use of force."

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to return members of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division back to Twentynine Palms comes now that rioting in the region has died down. 

“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,” Parnell said, according to USA Today. 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, praised the move in a statement, claiming that it was a "win for Los Angeles" and current servicemembers.

“Just this morning I stood with veterans, families of active duty officers, and business leaders to show the impact of this unnecessary, unprecedented, and unconstitutional assault on our city," she added.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.