Following the deployment of 2,000 California Army National Guard soldiers to protect federal personnel and property in Los Angeles, news reports say 700 Marines are being deployed to the area.

However, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office says they’re being moved from one base to another.

“At this time, the information we have is that Marines are not being deployed (there is a different between that and being mobilized),” the post stated. “The level of escalation is completely unwarranted, uncalled for, and unprecedented — mobilizing the best in class branch of the U.S. military against its own citizens.”

U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday that 700 Marines are ready to be temporarily deployed. The military cannot be used for law enforcement without invoking the Insurrection Act.

On Sunday, U.S. Northern Command said in a statement they had 500 Marines ready to be deployed.

“Additionally, approximately 500 Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines at Twentynine Palms, California, are in a prepared to deploy status should they be necessary to augment and support the (Department of Defense’s) protection of federal property and personnel efforts,” the Sunday release stated.

Following the National Guard deployment that occurred without Newsom’s authorization, state Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, saying the president’s deployment of the National Guard was unconstitutional.

“The Trump administration likes to ignore laws and just barrel forward,” Bonta said at a Monday news conference.

From our understanding, this is moving Marines from one base to another base.

At this time, the information we have is that Marines are not being deployed (there is a difference between that and being mobilized).

The level of escalation is completely unwarranted, uncalled for,… https://t.co/8SBw79e2Rs

— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) June 9, 2025

At the same time, Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni says the deployment was necessary and that the governor hasn’t upheld his duty to protect citizens and law enforcement from violent protesters.

“The involvement of the National Guard became necessary once the safety of the residents of the greater Los Angeles area were at risk due to the violent nature of the protesters,” Zanoni said in a statement to GV Wire.

“Additionally, law enforcement officers had their safety placed in jeopardy from the violent actions of these rioters. In order to provide safety and security for those working and living in Los Angeles, the National Guard  needed to be deployed.”

No Rebellion, Invasion or Inability to Execute the Law: Bonta

NBC News reports as of 2 p.m. Monday, about 300 National Guard troops have made it to the L.A. area after protests against immigration raids and the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers.

By Wednesday, all 2,000 troops could be deployed, according to Reuters.

Demonstrators took to the 101 Freeway and media reported the destruction of vehicles and objects thrown at ICE officers, according to the L.A. Times.

That didn’t qualify for calling out the National Guard without Newsom’s authorization, Bonta told reporters. The president can only unilaterally use the National Guard if there’s a rebellion, an invasion, or if federal law cannot be executed.

Bonta said the police department and mutual aid from other agencies were “completely prepared to handle protests.”

“Before National Guard is resorted to, mutual aid needs to be depleted,” Bonta said.

Newsom ‘Failed His Duties’ to Protect L.A. Resident: Zanoni

Zanoni called the deployment “necessary” to protect the safety of L.A. residents and law enforcement from violent protesters. The L.A. Times reported law enforcement firing less-than-lethal rounds after protesters hurled things at officers.

“This is simply a matter of public safety,” Zanoni said. “Several politicians, including Governor Newsom, have jeopardized that safety because of their stance to not deploy the National Guard and protect our people in California. Governor Newsom has once again failed his duties.”