Marines Directed to Use Force as Last Resort During L.A. Protests, Documents Reveal
Recently released federal documents have shed light on the directives given to U.S. Marines deployed to Los Angeles during anti-ICE protests last summer. According to the documents, obtained by the nonprofit watchdog group American Oversight, Marines were instructed to use force only as a last resort. This directive was part of a set of 12 rules for engaging with protesters, emphasizing minimal necessary force to accomplish their mission. The documents highlight a significant contrast between the training received by Marines and that of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, who have faced accusations of using excessive force. The Marines' training was reportedly more comprehensive, focusing on de-escalation and safety, whereas ICE officers were tasked with making arrests, often leading to confrontational situations. The deployment of Marines, alongside National Guard members and Department of Homeland Security agents, was part of a broader federal response to civil unrest in Los Angeles. 
