As protests in Los Angeles entered its fourth day, the federal government escalated its tense standoff with California as it prepared to send in 700 marines.

Trump's escalation of immigration arrests by shifting into workplaces ignited clashes between protesters and officers in the immigrant-heavy city.

The military has activated about 700 active-duty Marines who could be sent to Los Angeles, joining National Guard troops who were sent to the city to respond to protests, U.S. Northern Command said in a statement.