Marines continue their withdrawal from Los Angeles: More than 700 leave as anti-ICE protests ease

The Trump administration has withdrawn hundreds of Marines deployed in response to protests in Los Angeles against indiscriminate raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

US Marines deployed in June

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, confirmed in a statement to ABC News that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ordered the withdrawal of 700 Marines, who were deployed early last month.

“Their swift response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence were instrumental in restoring order and upholding the rule of law. We are deeply grateful for their service and for the fortitude and professionalism they brought to this mission,” the official shared.

Previously, the Pentagon also confirmed the release of 2,000 California National Guard members. In early June, following anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members. Days later, he deployed 2,000 more. Since then, it is unclear whether more members have been added or removed.

“We need all these incursions to end”

President Trump had stated that the National Guard would remain in Los Angeles until it was safe for them to be withdrawn. “We made a great decision in sending the National Guard to address the violent riots in California. Had we not done so, Los Angeles would have been completely destroyed,” the Republican president said last month.

The National Guard members and Marines sent to Los Angeles were not authorized to make immigration arrests, but were sent to the city as part of an effort to protect immigration agents and federal property during the riots.

In a video, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the deployment unnecessary. “This is a victory. We have many more victories ahead because we need all these incursions to end,” she added, having criticized the deployment ordered by President Trump from the start.

For his part, California Governor Gavin Newsom has consistently called on the Trump administration to withdraw all troops. “For nearly two months, Donald Trump has hijacked the California National Guard, stripping them of responsibilities for wildfire response, public safety, and drug enforcement to stage political theater in Los Angeles. He has ignored local leaders and put lives in danger. This power grab must end now,” the official shared on X.

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