700 Marines will deploy to Los Angeles after Hegseth warned California to control riots | 9 June 2025 | A U.S. Marine battalion is being sent to Los Angeles to help maintain order as anti-ICE riots continued to rage across Southern California. On Sunday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told Marines to prepare for deployment to LA “if violence continues.” On Monday, he made good on the promise, ordering 700 Marines from Twentynine Palms, California, to travel to LA, CNN and ABC News reported, citing sources. The incoming marines will join the 300 National Guards troops already on the ground. President Trump ordered 2,000 members of the California National Guard to be ready to deploy in LA.