Hegseth defends National Guard LA deployments, says ICE agents must be protected

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday forcefully defended the deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, accusing California Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass of failing to protect ICE agents and citizens from violent rioters — and asserting that Trump is stepping in to do the job.

Hegseth sparred with Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., during a heated House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, asserting that the president had the legal authority to deploy the troops since rioters had attacked ICE agents and torched property in parts of the sanctuary city – while waving Mexican flags and flags of other nations.

"The governor of California is unable to execute the laws of the United States," Hegseth said. "The governor of California has failed to protect his people, along with the mayor of Los Angeles and so President Trump has said he will protect our agents and our Guard and Marines are proud to do it."

Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations subcommittee oversight hearing on the Department of Defense, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

TRUMP TAKES ACTION AGAINST 'ORCHESTRATED ATTACK' ON LAW ENFORCEMENT BY DEPLOYING MARINES TO LA: ASSEMBLYMAN

Hegseth justified the decision for the Trump administration to intervene, saying that every American citizen deserves to live in a community that is safe, and that ICE agents need to be able to do their job. The riots broke out on Friday as ICE agents were taking part in deportation raids in the city, fulfilling a key part of Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.

"They're being attacked for doing their job, which is deporting illegal criminals that should happen in any city, Minneapolis or Los Angeles," Hegseth said. "And if they're attacked, that's lawless and President Trump believes in law and order, so he has every authority."

Aguilar questioned whether Trump had the authority to deploy National Guard troops under 10 U.S. Code 12406, citing three examples of when it can be used while also blasting the administration for not consulting with the state before doing so. Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guardsmen and around 700 U.S. Marines.

 A rioter holds up a Mexican flag as burning cars line the street on June 8, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. 

CALIFORNIA LT. GOVERNOR SAYS LOS ANGELES RIOTS ARE 'GENERATED BY DONALD TRUMP'

"Invasion by a foreign nation, rebellion or dangerous rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States, or the president is unable with regular forces to execute the laws of the United States," Aguilar said. "Which authority is triggered here to justify the use?" 

But Hegseth fired back and said, "it sounds like all three to me."

"If you've got millions of illegals, you don't know where they're coming from. They're waving flags from foreign countries and assaulting police officers and law enforcement officers. You and I both know that President Trump has all the authority necessary, and thankfully, he's willing to do it on behalf of the citizens of Los Angeles, on behalf of our ICE agents and behalf of our country."

Aguilar also raised concern that the troops were ill-prepared, since pictures were posted of them sleeping on floors in uniform. 

"That’s a disingenuous attack that misrepresents how much we care about our troops… Nobody cares more about the troops at the top than this secretary and the chairman in our department," Hegseth said. "The commanders and troops on the field are very well prepared... There are moments where you make do as best you can temporarily, but we are ensuring they’re housed, fed, [and have] water capabilities in real time from my office."

Rep. Pete Aguilar questions U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a hearing at the U.S. Capitol on June 10, 2025, in Washington, D.C.  (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Bryn MacDonnell testified that the cost of the deployment is expected to be $134 million, with funds being pulled from regular operational accounts.

Elsewhere, Hegseth said the department would need $961.6 billion in the fiscal year 2026 budget, which would be used to rebuild military strength, countering China, border security and funding the new Golden Dome missile defense system. A 10.5% pay raise was also secured for junior enlisted troops.