The revelation before the Congressional Committee came when California Democratic officials criticized President Donald Trump for deploying troops over the governor’s wishes.
Anti-ice attack protesters protest on the fourth night
The anti-immigrant raid protest continues for the fourth night as the Pentagon deploys an active US Marine.
- Bryn McDonnell, the Secretary of Defense special assistant, said the 60-day deployment is estimated to cost $134 million.
- Rep. Pete Aguilar of D-California expressed “serious concerns” about the development without consulting with Gov. Gavin Newsom.
WASHINGTON – The Secretary of Defense said the Pentagon is spending $134 million to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to respond to protests against federal immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
Bryn McDonnell, the special assistant to the Secretary of Defense, said the costs of travel, housing and food deployments will come from the operating and maintenance accounts.
“What is the justification for using the military for LA’s civil law enforcement purposes?” asked D-California’s House Budget Subcommittee on the Department of Defense’s Budget. “Why do you send fighters to the city to interact with civilians?”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegses said President Donald Trump “believes in law and order.”
“All American citizens deserve to live in safe cities,” Heggs said. “We’re proud to do that.”
Aguilar said he saw the forces sleeping on the floor and not providing food, fuel or water from the Department of Defense, reflecting that they were not prepared for deployment.
“Without consultation with California, I would like to express serious concerns about the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles,” Aguilar said. “Why were we not ready to provide them with basic essentials?”
Hegses called the criticism “disincentive” in a hurry to unfold criticism, saying he personally monitors the mission.
“There are moments when we temporarily try our best to do our best,” Heggs said. “We’re so concerned about California security guards and Marines, so we ensure they’re housed and fed in real time from my office and guaranteed water capabilities in real time.”
