President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy US Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles has sparked controversy and raised concerns about federal overreach. The mobilization, expected to cost taxpayers at least $134 million over a 60-day period, has intensified federal presence in the city despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

During a House hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the deployment, citing the need to assist with deportations and control rioters, whom he claimed were in the country illegally. Democrats questioned the legality and cost of using military forces against civilians protesting ICE arrests of suspected undocumented immigrants.

The arrival of military forces has complicated de-escalation efforts, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, who highlighted logistical and operational challenges. The protests, triggered by immigration raids and resulting in arrests, escalated over the weekend with violent confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.

Democrats have criticized Hegseth, particularly for his controversial actions in the past, but the focus of the hearing shifted to budgetary needs and military capabilities during questioning. Trump has defended the troop deployment, emphasizing the need to maintain public safety until the situation is deemed no longer dangerous.

The decision to send troops without state consent has led to a lawsuit from California officials, arguing that the federal mobilization violates state sovereignty. As the situation unfolds, the debate over the use of military forces for civilian law enforcement purposes continues, with both supporters and critics voicing their concerns.