WASHINGTON DC: The Pentagon has confirmed the deployment of 700 U.S. Marines to the Los Angeles area to support federal response efforts amid intensifying protests against immigration raids.

President Donald Trump has defended his decision to deploy the National Guard, even as California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit against the administration’s actions.

Governor Newsom claims he has been informed that an additional 2,000 National Guard troops may soon be sent to Los Angeles, signaling a possible escalation in the federal response.

The protests began Friday in downtown Los Angeles after reports emerged that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were carrying out widespread raids across the city.

Trump’s earlier deployment of 2,000 National Guard personnel drew heavy criticism. Both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass argue that local law enforcement is fully capable of handling the situation.