WASHINGTON – According to defense officials, the Pentagon will spend $134 million to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to respond to protests against federal immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
According to Bryn MacDonnell, a special assistant to the secretary of defense, the cost of the 60-day deployment for travel, housing, and food will be deducted from operations and maintenance accounts.
“What is the justification for using the military for civilian law enforcement purposes in LA?” Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-California, asked about the Defense Department’s budget during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing. “Why are you sending warfighters to cities to interact with civilians?”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that President Donald Trump “believes in law and order.”
“Every American citizen deserves to live in a city that is safe,” she said. “We are proud to do it.”
Aguilar stated that troops were seen sleeping on floors and were not given food, fuel, or water by the Defense Department, indicating a lack of preparation for the deployment.
“I want to express my severe concern with the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles without consultation with the state of California,” Aguilar told the press. “Why were we unprepared to provide them basic necessities?”
Hegseth dismissed criticism of a hasty deployment as “disingenuous” and stated that he was personally monitoring the mission.
“There are moments when you make do as best you can temporarily,” he explained. “We are ensuring they are housed, fed, water capabilities in real time – from my office because I care that much about the California Guard and the Marines.”