“Guns on Our Streets — Again”: Military Voices Erupt Over LA Deployment
In a stunning and controversial move, the Trump administration has deployed 700 active-duty Marines and 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles as immigration protests erupt across the city.
The operation, according to officials, is intended to “protect federal property and personnel” amid heightened ICE raids. But inside the military community, especially among veterans and active duty service members, the backlash has been fast, raw — and loud.
An Unsettling Echo of the Past
This marks the first time since the 1992 LA riots that active-duty U.S. military forces have been used for domestic law enforcement. Many are calling it an authoritarian overreach.
“Unrest is when the citizens are trying to send a message to the government. Using troops against your citizens is the government’s way of not listening.” —cobra7
Constitutional Oath, Not Presidential Orders
Among dozens of military responses on Reddit, a recurring theme is clear: soldiers swore an oath to the Constitution — not the president.
“We swear an oath to the Constitution. Not to any regime, party, or person.” —chiksahlube
“Trump is creating his Reichstag fire.” —RuralMNGuy
Another Marine vet added:
“These kids are 18–22 years old and don’t know what the Constitution allows or what the Posse Comitatus Act is… If anything happens, it’s going to put a black eye on the Corps that will never be forgotten.” —Maikudono
“There is no reason to use active duty military against your own citizens.” —Ok-Student7803
“Glad to see the president not allowing California to burn to the ground. Everyone knows the governor wasn’t going to intervene.” —ChinMuscle
“Telling soldiers to stand on the street with weapons drawn doesn’t quell unrest. It provokes unrest.” —timf3d
“These troop deployments are fucking terrible. Horrifying, actually.” —PSadair
Inside the Corps: A Brewing Crisis of Conscience
Many Marines are furious that one of their most combat-hardened battalions — 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines — was chosen. Known for frontline combat, 2/7’s deployment has sparked concern even among former commanders.
“This is what the National Guard is for. Putting active duty military personnel on the streets of America to play policeman is a mistake.” —RonWill79
“Let law enforcement enforce the law, let the military do military operations.” —mcstevied
“I hope those troops remember their oath to the US Constitution and to the people of the nation.” —Tacos_and_Yut
“I sincerely regret my service to the USA and wish I could take it back.” —TheDwellingHeart
“Marines are a tool you use to destroy an area or group of people, not to peacefully resolve it.” —Well__shit
“The VERY large, stomach-churning moment is the president giving the green light to utilize 2/7… This is a highly decorated combat unit… This is going to be a disastrous clusterfuck.” —NSTalley
Civilians or Combatants?
There’s also growing fear of blurring the line between public servant and domestic enforcer.
“When the military does both, the enemies of the state tend to become the people.” —Ok-Student7803
“Young, untested 18–22 year olds with guns seems like a really bad idea to me.” —anthonyajh
“This administration is attempting to politicize the military.” —220solitusma
“It’s an accident waiting to happen.” —kozmo30
“Most of them don’t particularly care and just want to do their job and go home.” —HerrArado
Legal Showdown with California
California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit challenging the federal deployment, calling it illegal and dangerous. His emergency request for a restraining order is now pending — but until it’s granted, Marines remain on LA streets.
Not Just Outrage — But Shame
Some vets are not only outraged but heartbroken.
“I regret my service.” —TheDwellingHeart
“These troops come from the very communities they’re being sent to confront.” —skamatiks671
“There are whole-ass battalions of military police who are specifically trained for this scenario. Why weren’t they sent?” —Baker_Kat68
“Using the military for domestic unrest should be an absolute last resort.” —Emotional_Ticket_357
“As a veteran I am pissed that I spent four years defending this country only to have some idiots vote for and support a Christo-fascist government.” —MediocreDecking
“Nobody wants to be dressed up in full kit in LA summer heat.” —HerrArado