President Donald Trump is sending up to 700 Marines to Los Angeles, where they will assist police in quelling protests until National Guard troops arrive.

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Around 300 soldiers from the California National Guard are already in place in Los Angeles, where there were violent clashes over the weekend between police and demonstrators protesting the Trump administration's deportation of migrants.

According to an anonymous official, the plan is to send even more National Guard soldiers to the city, but until they are in place – probably not until Wednesday – a battalion of Marines will be on standby and support the police if needed.

"In light of increased threats to federal employees and federal buildings, 500 active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton will be deployed to Los Angeles. They will help protect federal agents and buildings," a senior Trump administration official told AFP.

Reuters has been confirmed by the US military that it involves 700 marines.

According to the Constitution, the US military cannot perform police duties in the United States, unless it is authorized by the so-called Insurrection Act.