Defense chief stands firm against Dems who question Marines’ mission in LA

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth found himself in a heated exchange with Democratic senators during a hearing on Wednesday regarding the Trump administration’s decision to deploy 700 Marines to Los Angeles amidst the ongoing anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots. Hegseth, in his opening statement, emphasized President Donald Trump’s directive to focus on enhancing the Department of Defense’s warfighting capabilities, meritocracy, standards, and readiness.

Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island pointed out that the Trump administration had federalized 4,000 California National Guard members and deployed 700 Marines to Los Angeles. Hegseth corrected Reed, noting that a total of 13,000 military personnel, including active duty soldiers and National Guard members, had been deployed to the southern border in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Hegseth defended the mobilization of troops, stating that it actually enhances their readiness and lethality. Reed questioned the deployment of Marines and National Guardsmen in Los Angeles, asking how it contributes to their lethality. Hegseth reiterated that readiness, training, and accountability are all essential components of lethality.

The focus of the mission in Los Angeles, according to Hegseth, is to maintain law and order and support law enforcement agents who are facing attacks from unruly mobs. He emphasized the importance of protecting ICE agents and ensuring that they can carry out their duties without hindrance.

Despite the criticism from some senators, Hegseth defended the deployment of troops, stating that there is precedent for the U.S. military supporting law enforcement officers. He highlighted the various tasks that the military personnel are engaged in, including laying concertina wire, guarding buildings, and maintaining vehicles for other services.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the federalization of the National Guard and the deployment of Marines to respond to the riots. A federal judge declined California’s request for an immediate restraining order but scheduled a hearing to further assess the legality of the situation.

In a separate line of questioning, Senator Brian Schatz inquired about the scope of the order mobilizing National Guard troops and Marines. Hegseth explained that the initial order federalized 2,000 National Guard troops in California, with an additional 2,000 members mobilized later due to the escalating situation.

Despite the backlash from some senators, Hegseth emphasized the necessity of supporting law enforcement and ensuring that ICE agents can carry out their duties safely. The deployment of military personnel is aimed at maintaining law and order and protecting law enforcement officers from violent attacks.

Overall, the hearing highlighted the tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic senators over the deployment of troops to address the unrest in Los Angeles. Hegseth remained steadfast in defending the administration’s actions, emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement and maintaining order in the face of escalating riots.