Marine Commandant General Eric Smith confirmed a battalion is stationed in Los Angeles, equipped with shields and batons but not yet deployed, saying: “I am not concerned. I have great faith in my Marines.”

However, Republican Congressman David Valadao struck a more cautious tone, condemning “violence and vandalism” while warning against ICE raids that target “hardworking people” in his California district.

In Texas, state officials used chemical irritants to disperse protestors outside an ICE office in Austin, and in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis warned demonstrators: “We will make an example of you.”

Protests have flared across the country, including a peaceful demonstration outside Seattle’s immigration court and disruptive graffiti clean-up in downtown LA.

Viral rumours of “paid protestors” were debunked after it emerged a provocative Craigslist ad was actually tied to a prank show unrelated to the unrest.