As the military presence ramped up in Los Angeles, communities are preparing for the largest protests against Trump since he took office.

U.S. Marines have moved into Los Angeles and will take over protecting the Wilshire federal building in the coming hours, the head of the military's efforts in the city said on Friday. U.S. President Donald Trump can keep his deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles,

First detention of a civilian by marines indicates rare use of military force as national protests gather steam over Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington

About 200 Marines have moved into Los Angeles and will protect federal property and personnel, the commander in charge says.

The Trump administration faces a legal challenge to its deployment of the military to protests. Tensions flared after President Trump sent troops, and protests spread to other U.S. cities.

"If he can successfully militarize LA without significant political consequences, Baltimore is next," said Angela Angel of BLM PAC.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed an emergency request to block expansion of what they called the Trump administration's "unlawful militarization."

The man, who said he was a veteran, was soon released. But the incident calls attention to the operation of troops in a police-like domestic function.