Up First from NPR Military in LA, Immigration Raids and Business, Trump's Hush Money Appeal
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Jun 11, 2025 In Los Angeles, military forces are deployed to manage protests, but their involvement in law enforcement is limited. Heightened immigration enforcement is driving undocumented workers underground, significantly impacting local businesses. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court is hearing Trump's legal team's strategies to overturn his criminal conviction, including potential shifts to federal court. The conversation ties together workforce dynamics and the crucial role of immigrants in the economy amid these legal battles.
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Military Limits in LA Protests
- The military's role in Los Angeles is to protect federal property, not enforce laws, limited by the Posse Comitatus Act.
- Marines and National Guard presence creates tension with local authorities who do not want federal military involvement.
Marines "Cover Me" Misunderstanding
- Mick Wagoner, retired Marine lieutenant colonel, recounted Marines laying down suppressing fire to "cover" police during 1992 LA riots.
- This confused the police who saw it as excessive force, showing military and police have very different tactics.
Raids Impact on Labor Force
- Immigration raids are driving some undocumented workers underground, creating local labor shortages.
- The economic impact is localized and temporary but raises concerns in sectors like home building.