Los Angeles, CA – The U.S. Marines detained their first civilian protester in Los Angeles on Friday, as confirmed by U.S. defense officials. The unnamed civilian was temporarily held and subsequently handed over to law enforcement authorities. This development occurred after Marines arrived in the city following days of training for potential encounters with protesters.
Major General Scott Sherman, head of Task Force 51 overseeing the deployment, addressed reporters earlier this week at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California. In response to the increasing tensions, U.S. officials clarified that while Marines are authorized to temporarily detain individuals, they do not have the authority to make arrests. "Temporary detainment" involves using an arm hold to escort individuals to law enforcement, who then decide on further action.
This measure is part of broader preparations ahead of anticipated nationwide protests against President Donald Trump's administration. These protests are organized by the group No Kings, which calls for a "nationwide day of defiance." The group stated on its website, "From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like. The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it."
Local authorities have increased patrols and are ready for potential escalations. U.S. National Guard troops have already been deployed around downtown Los Angeles following an immigration raid protest earlier this month.
Alexandra Koch, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report. Prior to her position at Fox News, she covered breaking news, crime, religion, and military affairs in the southeastern United States.
