Tensions Rise as Military Presence Increases Amid Anti-ICE Protests in U.S.
Washington : As anti-ICE protests escalate across the United States, particularly in South Texas and California, the federal government has intensified its response by deploying military personnel to support immigration enforcement activities—a move that has sparked legal and political controversy.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a public warning via social media platform X, affirming citizens’ right to peaceful protest while cautioning against violence or destruction of property. “Locations across the state [are being monitored] to ensure peace & order. Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest,” Abbott posted.
According to reports from CNN and local media outlets, multiple rallies opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday in South Texas. These rallies are part of a broader wave of nationwide demonstrations against intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
In California, about 700 U.S. Marines were stationed in a staging area in Seal Beach, approximately 30 miles south of Los Angeles, on Tuesday. A U.S. official confirmed that they were awaiting deployment orders to support federal immigration operations.
The deployment of troops has raised alarms among legal authorities. California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed concern to Reuters, citing potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, a federal law that generally prohibits the use of the U.S. military in civilian law enforcement activities.
“Protecting personnel likely means accompanying ICE agents into communities and neighborhoods, and protecting functions could mean protecting the ICE function of enforcing the immigration law,” said Bonta, suggesting that the military’s involvement might overstep legal boundaries.
On Tuesday, ICE posted images on X showing National Guard troops accompanying ICE officers during immigration raids, reinforcing concerns that the military is being used to enforce domestic immigration policy. The Biden administration, under mounting pressure from conservative lawmakers, has reportedly endorsed a more aggressive stance on immigration enforcement in response to the protests and civil unrest.
This development has drawn comparisons to past instances of military involvement in civilian matters. Notably, the Insurrection Act was last invoked in 1992, when then-President George H.W. Bush deployed federal troops to Los Angeles at the request of the California governor during the riots following the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King.
As the debate intensifies, civil rights advocates warn of the implications for democratic norms and community trust, while federal officials defend the need to maintain public order and uphold immigration laws.
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