Army General Says Marines May Temporarily Detain Protesters in LA

They won’t arrest suspects but will detain them until local authorities arrive, the general said. Marines’ rifles will not be loaded with live ammo, he added.

California National Guard members stand guard outside the Federal Building as protests continue in response to federal immigration operations in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025. Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images

The 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops ordered to Los Angeles by President Donald Trump in response to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations lack the authority to arrest protesters but may temporarily detain them if necessary, an Army general told reporters on June 11.

“Strictly for the protection of the federal personnel and the protection of the federal buildings, they’re allowed to temporarily detain and wait for law enforcement to come and arrest them,” Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman said of the troops.