Only spouses dealing with health emergencies are experiencing challenges while their loved ones stand guard in Los Angeles. We have an army fatigued from missions that, honestly, they didn’t sign up for. And then there are the kids, left behind without parents who are deployed right here in the U.S.
Brandy Jones, who heads the Secure Family Initiative, a nonprofit focused on supporting military families, expressed concerns that these situations stem from the Trump administration’s choice to deploy troops to Los Angeles.
“Families are reaching out, worried that their loved ones have given so much in defense of the Constitution, yet now it seems those very rights are threatened in unexpected ways,” Jones shared during a virtual press conference on Thursday.
As Independence Day approached, veterans, legal experts, and advocates for active duty personnel cautioned that deploying troops to protests in California’s largest city could undermine democratic principles. A law that exists prohibits federal forces from being utilized by civil law enforcement.
Dan Maurer, a retired lieutenant colonel and currently a law professor at Ohio Northern University, described the scenario as reminiscent of struggles for independence. He emphasized that President Trump is, in a way, “militarizing America again.”
A statement from the U.S. Northern Command noted that about 3,950 people still remain in Los Angeles, alongside 700 Marines, who are there to ensure federal properties are protected amid protests against immigration and customs enforcement.
Trump defended the decision to deploy military resources in Los Angeles, even suggesting in a social media post that “it’s probably burning on the ground now” if they hadn’t been sent. He has hinted at wanting similar rollouts in other cities across the U.S.
The law governing the actions of forces in Los Angeles, according to Title 10 of the U.S. Code, is quite limited. They do not carry the authority to make arrests but are tasked solely with safeguarding federal property and personnel.
Marines had an active role in early June, particularly in securing areas during arrests tied to ICE activities. That’s, you know, a sensitive topic.
“The administration’s decision to deploy military forces seemed unnecessary and rather provocative, echoing the concerns our founders had,” Maurer stated. He expressed worry that, “Conceptually, other than the name, it feels like using the military as police.”
At the same time, there are concerns about how near the military comes to confronting individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants. Some speakers shared that involving the military in Los Angeles could endanger service members, placing them into situations they haven’t been adequately trained for.
“Our Marines are vital to our country, and it feels entirely inappropriate for them to be out on the streets of Los Angeles,” said Marine Combat Veteran Joe Prenzler, who currently holds a leadership position with the second Battalion 7 Marine Corps.
Prenzler reflected on how many of the Marines served with members from Spanish-speaking families, some of whom are legal residents but still navigate benefits not fully available to citizens.
“Imagine what must be going through their minds as they’re tasked with executing deportations on hard-working people who may look like their own family members,” he pondered.
Prenzler pointed out the difference in training between Marines and civilian law enforcement, insisting, “We’re not police. Marines simply aren’t geared for the sort of community policing that’s needed in these scenarios.”
Considering the LA Riots back in 1992, he recalled that interactions between Marines and local law enforcement didn’t always go as planned, causing miscommunication and even danger.
Christopher Purdy, a veteran of the Army National Guard and now head of a nonprofit advocacy group, expressed that our military forces are stretched thin and underprepared. He mentioned that these units often receive very limited civil unrest training throughout the year.
“When I was deployed to Iraq, we underwent extensive training on local customs and community dynamics. If we don’t shortcut training for combat, why accept less for missions on our own streets?” he challenged.
Every speaker touched on the necessity of holding the administration accountable, both for how troops are treated and the roles they’re being assigned in America.
“This July 4th symbolizes my commitment as well as our responsibility for freedom. Supporting military families is essential for keeping our strength intact,” said Jones. “At the Secure Family Initiative, we hear from families; if a family is stretched thin, or the military is being used against civilians, that compromises everything.”
Maurer added, “The rule of law loses its meaning if we ignore it and expect it to be enforced without adherence.”
