U.S. Marines detained a civilian in Los Angeles on Friday, marking a rare domestic military action as nationwide protests loom over President Donald Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C.
The detained individual, 27-year-old Marcos Leao, is a U.S. Army veteran and immigrant who recently obtained U.S. citizenship. Leao was apprehended after he crossed into a restricted area, inadvertently stepping over yellow tape to avoid a longer route around a building.
President Trump dispatched Marines to Los Angeles in response to street demonstrations protesting recent immigration raids. This deployment, which supplements National Guard forces already present in the city, was made despite objections from California’s governor and local officials.
“We are here today because the raids have caused fear and panic,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, addressing concerns over the increased military presence. “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?”
Approximately 1,800 protests are scheduled across the United States on Saturday, opposing both the military parade and the domestic deployment of active-duty troops. The parade, set to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coincide with President Trump’s 79th birthday, has been met with criticism for its unprecedented scale and militaristic display.
Army Major General Scott Sherman, overseeing the combined forces in Los Angeles, stated that around 200 Marines have been assigned to protect the Wilshire Federal Building. “The Marines and National Guard are here to safeguard federal property and personnel,” he explained. “They may temporarily detain individuals but are required to hand them over to civilian law enforcement for any formal arrests.”
The use of active-duty military personnel on American soil, especially in law enforcement roles, is uncommon and has sparked debate over the appropriateness of such measures. Democratic leaders and civil rights advocates are urging peaceful protests and questioning the federal government’s intervention in local matters.
As tensions rise, officials are encouraging citizens to exercise their rights responsibly. “We must stand together peacefully to express our concerns,” Mayor Bass emphasized. “Our voices are powerful when united.”
