Los Angeles is gearing up for the arrival of new troops following a relatively calm night after days of protests over federal immigration raids and the deployment of soldiers against US residents by the Trump administration.

The initial deployment of 300 national guard troops is set to grow to the full 4,000 authorized by Donald Trump, with an additional 700 marines expected to arrive soon.

The US Northern Command, or Northcom, announced that marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division will join forces protecting federal personnel and property in the greater Los Angeles area. Approximately 1,700 soldiers from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a California national guard unit, are already in the region.

Despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials, the national guard and marine detachments are being sent to Los Angeles. The state is suing the Trump administration over the deployment, arguing that the president unlawfully federalized the national guard to handle protesters.

California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, expressed concern over the state’s sovereignty being disregarded. However, Trump defended the troop deployment, stating that it was necessary to protect federal property.

Senator Alex Padilla criticized the deployment, calling it a crisis created by Trump. He emphasized that the presence of national guard troops would only escalate tensions and worsen the situation.

Padilla also highlighted that the Los Angeles sheriff’s department was not informed of the federalization of the national guard, raising questions about the mission's purpose.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported the troop deployment, citing increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and buildings. He emphasized the obligation to defend federal officers, even if state authorities were unwilling to do so.

Hegseth testified before the House appropriations subcommittee on defense, where he faced questions about the cost of the deployment and the impact on troops' training and duties.

Jim McDonnell, the LA police chief, reassured the public that local law enforcement was experienced in handling large-scale demonstrations and expressed concerns about the logistical challenges posed by the arrival of federal military forces.