US Marines temporarily detained an Army veteran outside a federal building in Los Angeles, marking the first known civilian detention by active-duty troops deployed under President Trump’s controversial orders.
At a Glance
- Marines detained Marcos Leao, an Army veteran who was heading to a VA appointment, after he didn’t hear their commands due to wearing headphones
- The detention occurred at the Wilshire federal building in Los Angeles where Marines have been deployed amid ongoing immigration protests
- Leao was released after a brief detention and expressed understanding about the security procedures
- The deployment of 200 Marines follows Trump’s decision to send troops despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom
- A legal battle continues over the legality of using military personnel for civilian law enforcement
Military Deployment in Los Angeles
Approximately 200 US Marines arrived in Los Angeles following President Trump’s executive order to deploy national guard troops to the area. The deployment came despite strong objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who claimed Trump bypassed congressionally mandated procedures and misrepresented their communications about the situation. Marines have taken charge of the Wilshire federal building as protests continue against the administration’s immigration enforcement operations that have sparked demonstrations in multiple cities across the nation.
The deployment remains controversial as a federal judge initially ruled against Trump’s use of troops for civilian law enforcement purposes. However, the administration appealed the decision, and a higher court subsequently paused the restraining order, allowing the military presence to continue while legal challenges work through the court system. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between federal authority and state autonomy in managing domestic security operations.
Veteran Detained Near Federal Building
In what appears to be the first documented case of active-duty troops detaining a civilian under this deployment, Marines temporarily detained Marcos Leao, an Army veteran, outside the federal building in Westwood. Leao, who was wearing headphones at the time, did not hear the troops’ commands as he approached the building for a Veterans Affairs appointment. Upon noticing the Marines, he immediately complied with their orders to get on the ground and was briefly detained before being released without incident.
Following his release, Leao showed no animosity toward the Marines, acknowledging they were simply following security protocols for the federal facility. The US military’s northern command clarified that temporary detentions end “immediately when the individual(s) can be safely transferred to the custody of appropriate civilian law enforcement personnel.” This incident underscores the potential for increased interactions between military personnel and civilians as troops maintain positions in urban areas.
Legal and Political Fallout
The deployment of Marines has generated significant legal and political controversy. Critics view Trump’s decision as an abuse of presidential power and a potential attempt to suppress free speech as protests continue. Some military families have expressed discomfort with the mission, feeling it places service members in a political struggle rather than a traditional national security role. Governor Newsom has been particularly vocal in his opposition, challenging the legality of the deployment and questioning the president’s justification for military intervention.
“The sentiment across the board right now is that deploying military force against our own communities isn’t the kind of national security we signed up for.”, said Sarah Streyder.
Adding to the contentious atmosphere, Democratic Senator Alex Padilla was reportedly forcibly removed from a press conference, highlighting growing concerns about the treatment of civilians by federal agents during the operation. The incident with Padilla has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers across the political spectrum, with Democrats generally supporting his challenge to federal authorities and Republicans mostly criticizing his actions. As protests continue, a large nationwide demonstration is planned under the banner “No Kings.”
Implications for Civil-Military Relations
The detention of Leao, while brief and without incident, raises important questions about the role of military forces in civilian environments. Military personnel typically operate under different rules of engagement than civilian law enforcement, creating potential confusion during interactions with the public. The Pentagon has stated that troops deployed to Los Angeles are acting in a supporting role to civilian authorities, but incidents like Leao’s detention illustrate the practical challenges of maintaining clear operational boundaries.
“There was nothing wrong, it’s just procedure. This is the Federal Building, so I understand that anything that happens here can actually get federal accusations.”, added Marcos Leao.
President Trump has defended his decision to deploy troops, claiming without providing evidence that Los Angeles would have been destroyed without military intervention. Meanwhile, a military parade in Washington, DC, is planned to coincide with the nationwide protests, a move critics characterize as more focused on political messaging than national unity. As the situation continues to evolve, the precedent being set for military involvement in domestic law enforcement remains a matter of significant public and constitutional concern.
