Protests live updates: Marines make 1st temporary detention in LA

Marines are now on duty in Los Angeles for the first time.

Last Updated: June 14, 2025, 5:09 AM EDT

Tensions are escalating between President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement continue to grip Los Angeles and spread to New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Austin, Texas, and other cities.

Trump deployed about 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to LA against Newsom's wishes.

A federal appeals court Thursday delayed an order requiring the Trump administration to return control of the National Guard to Newsom, dealing the administration a temporary reprieve to what would have been a major reversal of its policy on the protests.

Jun 12, 2025, 12:34 PM EDT

Hegseth won't commit to abiding by judicial decision on guards in LA

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers "it's not my lane" to say whether or not the Department of Defense would comply if a judge ordered a withdrawal of National Guard and Marines from LA.

"It's not your legal view that makes the decision in America. It's the federal judiciary," said Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. "If the federal court ... judge has an order [that] is a preliminary injunction, will you agree to abide by the federal courts?"

"What I will tell you is my job right now is to ensure the troops that we have in Los Angeles are capable of supporting law enforcement in there," Hegseth replied. "This is not my lane. But we also recognize that the way in which the judiciary has expanded its powers.”

Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., a former Marine, ripped Hegseth over the Marine deployment in LA and Hegseth's refusal to say political allegiance should not be required for military service.

"You're not worthy of my attention or my questions. You're an embarrassment to this country. You're unfit to lead," Carbajal said. “And there's been bipartisan members of Congress that have called for your resignation. You should just get the hell out and let somebody competently lead this department.”

-ABC News’ Chris Boccia

Jun 12, 2025, 10:01 AM EDT

Trump takes credit for LA being 'safe and sound'

President Donald Trump is taking credit for Los Angeles being "safe and sound" the last two nights, writing on Truth Social that the "great National Guard, with a little help from the Marines, put the L.A. Police in a position to effectively do their job."

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies fire a nonlethal weapon toward a man after he threw a can at them following a protest against federal immigration operations near Los Angeles City Hall in Los Angeles on June 11, 2025.
Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images

"They all worked well together, but without the Military, Los Angeles would be a crime scene like we haven’t seen in years," Trump wrote. "Governor Gaven NewScum had totally lost control of the situation. He should be saying THANK YOU for saving his a--, instead of trying to justify his mistakes and incompetence!!!"

Trump’s comments come after two nights of curfews in a part of downtown LA that has been the site of clashes between police and protesters over the last six days. The overnight curfew was issued by LA Mayor Karen Bass.

Trump’s post also credits "a little help from the Marines," however, the Marines deployed by Trump have not begun service in LA.

Jun 12, 2025, 8:57 AM EDT

Americans split over support of LA protests: Poll

A poll from the Washington Post and the George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government found that Americans are largely split over if they support or oppose the protests in LA. Americans are also split over support for President Donald Trump sending the National Guard and Marines to respond.

LAPD officers on horseback clash with protesters gathered near Los Angeles City Hall to protest against federal immigration operations on June 11, 2025.
Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images

Californians, however, are more supportive of the protests and far more opposed to Trump sending the National Guard and Marines.

-ABC News’ Oren Oppenheim

Jun 12, 2025, 6:30 AM EDT

Hearing for Newsom's emergency motion to block Trump’s 'unlawful militarization' of LA set for Thursday

The hearing for California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta's emergency request to block President Trump and the Department of Defense from “expanding the current mission of federalized Cal Guard personnel and Marines” is set to take place on Thursday.

“This mission orders soldiers to engage in unlawful civilian law enforcement activities in communities across the region, beyond just guarding federal buildings,” the statement said. “The federal government is now turning the military against American citizens, sending trained warfighters onto the streets is unprecedented and threatens the very core of our democracy. Donald Trump is behaving like a tyrant, not a President. We ask the court to immediately block these unlawful actions.”

The request was filed as part of Newsom’s lawsuit against Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense.

“The president’s actions have not only caused widespread panic and chaos, but have unnecessarily created an additional diversion of resources as the state tries to calm a community terrorized by this reckless federal action,” Newsom said.

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