The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has warned of a possible deployment of Marines on the ground if violent clashes continue during protests against mass deportations in Los Angeles.
In a press statement, Hegseth emphasized that attacks on federal forces are “deliberate and orchestrated,” aimed at obstructing the deportation of illegal immigrants and individuals involved in criminal activities. He accused criminal cartels of inciting the unrest, labeling them as “foreign terrorist organizations” and a serious threat to U.S. national security.
“Under President Trump, any violence against federal authorities will be met with force. This is a matter of security and the law,” Hegseth declared, stressing that any further escalation will lead to direct intervention by military forces.
According to CBS News, several hundred Marines at Camp Pendleton military base have been placed on high alert. Previously, around 300 National Guard troops were deployed at three strategic points in Los Angeles, by order of President Trump.
The U.S. Northern Command has confirmed that the operation is active and aims to maintain public order and ensure the enforcement of immigration policies.
