Context:

Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, defended the deployment of hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles to address immigration protests, despite local officials' confusion over their purpose. The administration's decision to deploy military forces came amidst increasing nighttime violence during protests, aiming to protect government property and officers' lives. The deployment occurred without invoking the Insurrection Act, making Trump the first president in decades to call the National Guard without a governor's request. Homan clarified that the Marines' role is not to enforce immigration law, which remains the responsibility of immigration officers, but to ensure overall safety. Despite the heightened military presence, Homan expressed hope that such measures do not become a norm and encouraged peaceful protests instead of attacking law enforcement officials enforcing congressional laws.

Dive Deeper:

• Tom Homan justified the deployment of Marines to Los Angeles, citing the need to manage escalating violence during immigration protests and ensure the protection of government property and law enforcement personnel.

• The decision to involve the military was made without invoking the Insurrection Act, marking a rare instance where the National Guard was called without a governor's request, as President Trump sought to address the protests proactively.

• Homan emphasized that the Marines' presence is not for enforcing immigration laws but for safeguarding the wellbeing of officers and the public, while immigration officers continue their duties independently.

• There are ongoing daily discussions within the administration about military deployment to manage domestic unrest, though Homan noted he is not directly involved in decisions regarding the Insurrection Act.

• Homan expressed hope that military deployments do not become a regular approach, advocating for peaceful protests and directing grievances towards Congress rather than law enforcement.

• Despite President Trump's controversial statement about arresting Governor Gavin Newsom, Homan confirmed that Newsom has not committed any arrestable offenses.

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations will persist across the nation to enforce immigration laws, unaffected by the protests and military interventions in Los Angeles.