U.S. Marines have arrived in Los Angeles to support federal agents as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E) steps up its operations. The military presence comes at the same time I.C.E triples daily arrests of migrants across the U.S.
Around 700 Marines are now stationed near Seal Beach, south of downtown LA. The number adds to the 2,000 National Guard troops earlier sent by President Donald Trump to quell the protests against immigration raids in cities.
Officials say they are there to protect federal buildings and workers, not to arrest people. Still, many local leaders are worried as per Reuters.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the move “a dangerous sign,” and said it could harm the trust between communities and law enforcement.
Tensions are rising in LA. Protests have continued for several days, with hundreds of people marching against the raids. The city’s mayor has put a curfew in place in parts of downtown after some protests turned violent. Nearly 200 people were arrested on Tuesday.
The increase in arrests follows pressure from Washington. According to Reuters, the White House pushed I.C.E. to pick up more people every day. Now, I.C.E triples daily arrests from 1,000 to 3,000, targeting undocumented immigrants in workplaces, stores, and even at courthouses.
Some experts are concerned about this new approach. Julia Gelatt from the Migration Policy Institute said it looks like officials are arresting people just because they may not have papers — not because they committed a crime. A former I.C.E. official added that it’s now more about “meeting numbers” than focusing on dangerous individuals.
Despite the criticism, the White House says it stands by the plan. “If you are present in the United States illegally, you will be deported,” said spokeswoman Abigail Jackson. “This is the promise President Trump made, and he is keeping it.”
In the latest development, Governor Newsom has asked a federal court to stop the use of Marines and National Guard troops in these immigration actions. A hearing is expected later this week.
As I.C.E triples daily arrests, many immigrant families are afraid over a slew of immigration policies that are aggressively being pursued by the Trump’s administration.
