Pentagon Briefing: Marines Deploy to Los Angeles Amidst Anti-ICE Protests

Marine Deployment to Los Angeles

• 🎯 Two companies of 27 Marines, approximately 200 personnel, were deployed to the Wilshire Federal Building in LA.
• 🗓️ They began familiarization training with existing soldiers and will take over full operations today at noon.
• 🛡️ The Marines are tasked with protecting federal installations, federal property, and federal assets.

Mission and Rules of Engagement

• 🚫 No soldier or Marine has detained anyone; they have observed federal law enforcement making arrests while protecting facilities.
• ⚖️ All service members received comprehensive training on the standing rules of force, including de-escalation techniques and proper crowd control, with input from JAG officers.
• 🔒 Standard crowd control gear, including helmets, face shields, batons, and gas masks, is being used for guarding facilities.
• ❓ The mission continues until further orders are received, and specific operational details are being withheld for security reasons.

Troop Integration and Status

• 🔄 Marines are conducting a "left seat, right seat" familiarization training to understand how the National Guard has been operating.
• 🤝 The mission involves supporting federal law enforcement by protecting them and holding off crowds during their duties.
• ✅ There have been no injuries reported among the service members involved in the mission as of today.
• 🗺️ While the Wilshire building is a focus, future deployments within Los Angeles County are not being speculated upon, though Marines are trained to defend federal buildings.