• 700 Marines deployed in Los Angeles last month are set to withdraw.
• The decision follows a decline in protests related to immigration policies.
• The deployment sparked controversy and criticism from local officials.

The Pentagon has confirmed that approximately 700 active-duty Marines, initially deployed to Los Angeles during protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, will begin their withdrawal. This announcement follows last week’s decision to send home half of the 4,000 National Guard troops also stationed in the city, reflecting a shift as stability returns, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who stated: “lawlessness will not be tolerated,” according to latimes, reuters, and sfgate.

Initially deployed on June 9, the Marines were part of a response to increasing protests stemming from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in local businesses, drawing criticism for their presence in the city. Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials, including Mayor Karen Bass, expressed concerns that the military’s involvement could escalate tensions rather than alleviate them. Mayor Bass deemed the deployment as “unnecessary,” highlighting the criticism from state officials regarding the bypassing of local consent, according to cbsnews and thehill.

The withdrawal of the Marines comes at a time when protests have largely diminished across Los Angeles, indicating a decrease in the unrest that initially warranted their deployment. Parnell noted that the Marines’ presence had a significant impact on restoring order; however, remaining National Guard forces will still assist in safeguarding federal personnel, particularly in relation to ongoing immigration enforcement efforts. With approximately 2,000 National Guard soldiers still active in the region, their continued role is under scrutiny, as Trump’s immigration strategy remains contentious, according to aa, latimes, and reuters.