Defense Secretary Supports Troop Deployment Amid Los Angeles Immigration Protests

At a contentious congressional hearing today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's decision to deploy thousands of troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests, asserting that enforcing immigration laws is a fundamental responsibility of the government. He also indicated that the administration plans to increasingly utilize the National Guard for domestic security operations.

President Trump has characterized the protests as "violent, insurrectionist mobs," though reports from the ground suggest a less severe situation. While there have been some injuries and property damage, tensions appeared to subside overnight. On-the-scene reporting indicates the demonstrations have been localized, primarily concentrated near federal buildings within a small section of downtown Los Angeles.

One reporter covering the protests was struck by a crowd-control munition, highlighting the confrontational nature of some encounters during the demonstrations.

This afternoon, President Trump credited himself with calming the unrest, stating, "I stopped the violence in L.A." However, California officials criticized the military presence as unnecessary and provocative, seeking a federal court injunction to limit troop deployment in the city.

Legal analysts have raised questions about the president's authority to deploy active-duty military personnel for law enforcement purposes without invoking the Insurrection Act. Observers note that the protests, while disruptive, do not appear widespread enough to constitute an insurrection under the law.