US Marines arrive in LA; California governor warns 'democracy under assault'

Marines stand near vehicles as they prepare to depart for Los Angeles, at an unknown location, in this handout picture released on June 9, 2025. U.S. Northern Command via X/Handout via REUTERS

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Hundreds of U.S. Marines arrived in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday under orders from President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions in America's second largest city as California's governor warned "democracy is under assault."

Trump's extraordinary measures of sending National Guard and Marines to quell protests, which broke out in response to his immigration raids, fueled demonstrations for a fifth day in Los Angeles, and sparked protests in several other cities.