Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday strongly defended the Trump administration’s decision to deploy the National Guard and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to escalating anti-ICE demonstrations. Speaking before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Hegseth stated plainly: “We believe ICE agents should be allowed to be safe in doing their operations.”
He emphasized that agents were “being attacked for doing their job—deporting illegal criminals,” and described any such attacks as “lawless.” Hegseth reinforced the administration’s stance on restoring law and order, saying the president “has every authority” to protect federal operations.
The move comes amid a clash with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the deployment illegal and vowed legal action. Newsom has refused to authorize the Guard’s mobilization, arguing the state wasn’t consulted. However, federal officials say the operation is justified under Title 10, which allows for federalization in crisis scenarios.
The Pentagon confirmed an additional 2,000 Guard troops have been activated. Defense officials placed the cost of the mobilization at $134 million, pulled from operations and maintenance budgets.
Hegseth dismissed concerns from Democrats over troop conditions, assuring lawmakers the forces are “well-prepared” and being fully supported.
President Trump, meanwhile, has doubled down on the move, criticizing Newsom for “failing to control the streets” and suggesting more decisive action may follow. ICE reports the protests began after arrests of multiple violent offenders, including a known child predator.
Administration officials argue the federal presence is necessary to protect communities and uphold the law. As tensions continue in Los Angeles, the message from Washington remains firm: the law will be enforced, and federal officers will not stand alone.
