A Marine guards a federal area in Los Angeles on July 12, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed 700 Marines sent to Los Angeles more than five weeks ago to help quell immigration protests to return to their California duty station, the Pentagon said Monday.
“Stability” has returned to the city, allowing for the Marines from Twentynine Palms, Calif., to leave the mission of protecting federal assets in the greater Los Angeles area, said Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesman. The troops are part of the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment.
The departure of the Marines, who arrived June 9, leaves roughly 2,000 California National Guard members on federal orders in the city — about half of what was authorized by President Donald Trump in early June. All troops were authorized to remain for up to 60 days.
“Their rapid response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence were instrumental in restoring order and upholding the rule of law. We’re deeply grateful for their service, and for the strength and professionalism they brought to this mission,” Parnell said in a statement.
Last week, Hegseth approved 2,000 National Guard members to leave the L.A. mission. Parnell also attributed that drawdown to improved stability in the city.
Troops were deployed to L.A. on June 7 after thousands of people began to protest near a downtown federal building over immigration raids at businesses across the city. Trump said the troops were necessary to keep the city from burning but local and state officials argued the military inflamed the situation.
While the Marines have been primarily stationed as security outside of federal buildings, the National Guard troops have gone with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to provide a safe perimeter as the federal officers arrested people.
Roughly 90 Guard members with Humvees on July 7 supported federal agents as they swept MacArthur Park in LA. Another 300 were sent to assist in a raid of an illegal marijuana farm in Riverside County.
Earlier this month, the Defense Department approved 150 Guard members to leave Los Angeles and return to their full-time jobs as part of a state wildfire prevention team.
