Washington: A number of US senators questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday over the deployment of troops to Los Angeles, California in response to immigration protests. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth reiterated that the National Guard and the Marines are in Los Angeles to protect law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
According to Anadolu Agency, the US has assigned roughly 4,000 US National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to the streets of Los Angeles following the eruption of protests on June 6, in defiance of warnings from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass that the action would only serve to further inflame already-heightened tensions.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal expressed concerns about the use of active duty troops in Los Angeles, questioning Hegseth about possible contingency plans for the use of active duty military in other cities. Hegseth emphasized the protection of ICE officers but was interrupted by Blumenthal, who highlighted concerns regarding the use of military forces.
A recent US appeals court ruling allowed President Donald Trump to maintain his deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, temporarily pausing a lower court ruling that deemed Trump's actions as illegal. Hegseth suggested non-compliance with a court ruling against the deployments, expressing skepticism about district courts setting national security policy.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren questioned Hegseth about the potential deployment of Marines to other cities, despite local opposition. Hegseth's response indicated a willingness to comply if directed by President Trump, leading to a tense exchange with Warren.
The discussion grew heated when Sen. Elissa Slotkin inquired about the authorization for troops to detain or arrest protesters. Hegseth clarified that detentions could occur if necessary for self-defense but denied any arrest orders. Reports indicated that Marines detained their first civilian last Friday.
The protests against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown have intensified, spreading to more than a dozen US cities, including Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.