As a proud Minnesota military family, we feel a deep responsibility to raise our voices in opposition to the recent deployment of Marines to Los Angeles—a move we believe strikes at the very heart of what our republic stands for. The use of active-duty military personnel in civilian law enforcement is not only inappropriate but fundamentally dangerous for the future of American democracy.
A Dangerous Line Has Been Crossed
Our nation’s service members—Marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen—swear an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. They are trained for combat, for war zones, and for defending this country from external threats. They are not trained, nor should they ever be used, to police fellow Americans on home soil.
The recent deployment blurs the crucial line that has long separated military action from domestic law enforcement. This line exists for good reason. When the government uses military force to police its own citizens, the risk to civil liberties becomes profound.
The Posse Comitatus Act: A Foundational Safeguard
For over 150 years, the Posse Comitatus Act has served as a legal bulwark against military interference in civilian affairs. It stands as a reminder that military power must not be directed inward. As Joseph Nunn of the Brennan Center for Justice puts it, the law “embodies an American tradition that sees military interference in civilian affairs as a threat to both democracy and personal liberty.”
Our founders, fresh from the abuses of monarchial power, understood the importance of keeping military force out of domestic politics. That understanding must not be forgotten in today’s political climate, no matter how divisive the times may seem.
An Impossible Burden on Our Troops
We know firsthand the character of our service members. They are brave, loyal, and devoted patriots. Asking them to turn their training and their discipline against the very citizens they swore to protect is not only morally wrong—it’s emotionally cruel. It forces them into a dilemma where they may be asked to choose between following orders and honoring their constitutional oath.
This is not a matter of politics. It’s a matter of preserving the values that define our nation. Our democracy is built on the idea that the military exists to defend the people—not to control or intimidate them.
Military Families Have Already Sacrificed So Much
Every military family knows the weight of service. We endure deployments, long absences, and the fear that our loved ones may never come home. But we accept those sacrifices because we believe in the mission—defending our country and its freedoms.
Using our service members to enforce domestic law subverts that mission. It turns tools of defense into tools of control. And it places a further burden on families who have already given so much.
A Call to All Americans
Regardless of where you fall politically, this moment demands your attention. The decisions made today—such as deploying troops against protesters or into cities—set dangerous precedents for the future. If we allow these boundaries to be crossed now, it becomes easier for future administrations to do the same, or worse.
We urge our fellow citizens to reject the normalization of military presence in civilian spaces. Speak out, write to your representatives, and stay informed. This is not just about one city or one administration—it’s about protecting the foundations of American freedom for generations to come.
Final Thoughts
Our military is one of the most respected institutions in the country. Let’s keep it that way. Let’s keep our service members out of political showdowns and focused on defending our nation against true threats, not protesting civilians or enforcing political agendas.
Our troops belong on foreign battlefields—not patrolling our neighborhoods. Let us honor their service by upholding the Constitution they swore to defend.
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