Marine Deployment to LA Protests Sparks Expert Concerns

Concerns Rise Over Marine Deployment to LA Protests: Expert Warns of 'Tipping Point' Los Angeles, CA – June 10, 2025 – The deployment of approximately 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to support the National Guard during ongoing immigration protests has sparked concerns among military experts. Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling voiced strong reservations about this decision on MSNBC's Morning Joe, stating, "Deploying Marines to protest sites is very dangerous. They're not trained for domestic crowd control." He emphasized that while the use of the National Guard under current circumstances is legal, resorting to the Insurrection Act would represent a significant escalation and a 'tipping point'. Hertling's comments highlight the differences in training and mission parameters between the Marines and law enforcement agencies typically responsible for crowd control. Marines are primarily trained for combat operations, not domestic peacekeeping. The potential for unintended consequences and escalation of tensions is a key concern. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's tweet announcing the deployment cited increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings. However, Hertling's analysis suggests that the Marines' presence could exacerbate tensions rather than de-escalate them. The situation underscores the complexities of managing large-scale protests and the delicate balance between maintaining order and protecting civil liberties. The deployment of the Marines raises questions about the appropriateness of using military personnel for domestic law enforcement and the potential for unintended consequences.