US troops in Los Angeles have been deployed amid a surge of protests following controversial immigration raids. President Trump's decision to send 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops into the city is stirring a debate about the military's role on U.S. soil.
Major General Scott Sherman explained that although the troops lack full arrest powers, they can detain individuals temporarily until local law enforcement takes over. The Marines, training near Seal Beach, are on duty without live ammunition, reflecting a cautious approach to maintaining order.
The move has not been without controversy. California Governor Gavin Newsom has objected to the deployment, prompting legal debates about whether such use of troops violates laws intended to keep the military out of civilian policing. Many experts, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, warn that accompanying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into communities could blur long-established lines between security and civil rights.
Local authorities are actively managing the situation as protests continue. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently imposed a curfew over a downtown area following incidents of looting, leading to over 225 arrests. For many young adults and early professionals across South and Southeast Asia—who regularly navigate complex urban challenges and global debates—the unfolding events in LA echo similar discussions about balancing public safety with individual freedoms. ⚖️
This story highlights an ongoing global conversation on security in an ever-changing world, inviting thoughtful dialogue among tech-savvy, socially conscious youth on how best to maintain community safety while safeguarding civil liberties.
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Troops in LA can detain individuals, official says, as protests spread
cgtn.com
