US Marines Detain Veteran in Los Angeles: Raising Concerns About Military's Role in Domestic Law Enforcement

On June 13th, 2025, an incident unfolded outside the Westwood Federal Building in Los Angeles that has sparked debate about the role of the military in civilian law enforcement. A video obtained by Reuters shows two U.S. Marines detaining a man. The man, identified as a veteran, was reportedly on his way to the Department of Veterans Affairs office when he was stopped. "It's a big deal because the armed forces are generally forbidden from engaging in domestic law enforcement," stated a news anchor from MSNBC. U.S. Northern Command confirmed the detainment, explaining it was temporary and justified due to the Marines' assignment to protect federal assets. The detained man was later transferred to local authorities. This event highlights the complexities of military deployment within civilian areas and raises questions regarding the appropriate limits of military authority.