In an unprecedented move by Trump, U.S. Marines deployed to Los Angeles detained a civilian on Friday. This was done ahead of nationwide protests over President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C. The man detained was Marcos Leao, a 27-year-old Army veteran and immigrant-turned-U.S. citizen.
Leao said he was detained after crossing a yellow police line near the Wilshire Federal Building to reach the Veterans Administration office. “They treated me very fairly,” Leao said after being released. “Understand, this is a whole stressful situation for everybody, and we all have a job.”
Detention Sparks Outrage Before Trump’s Controversial Parade
The Marines restrained him with zip ties and held him for nearly two hours before handing him over to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This marked the first known detention of a U.S. citizen by active duty military forces on American soil in recent history.
Trump sent the Marines to assist the National Guard in controlling protests sparked by aggressive immigration raids.
California officials, including the governor, opposed the deployment. “Can the federal government come in and seize power from a state and a local jurisdiction?” asked LA Mayor Karen Bass. “How much will the American people put up with?”
Protests Intensify Ahead Of Military Parade By Trump
Protests continue across Los Angeles for the eighth day, with 15 more planned in the city and about 1,800 nationwide on Saturday. These demonstrations coincide with Trump’s military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday.
Mayor Bass imposed a curfew in parts of downtown LA to maintain order. It will remain until immigration raids end.
“We are hoping that if the cause of the turmoil ends, which is stopping the raids, then… the curfew will go away.”
Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized that most protesters were peaceful but warned that authorities would not tolerate violence. “There’s a big difference between legitimate protesters and people coming out to cause problems,” he said.
The rare use of active military troops domestically, paired with the detention of a U.S. citizen, has raised serious concerns.
