Defense Secretary Hegseth defends use of Marines in LA, rejects legality concerns as federal judge denies Newsom’s bid.

Senate Hearing Highlights Military Role in Civil Unrest

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly defended the deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles during a contentious Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Wednesday. The deployment, part of a broader federal response to anti-ICE riots, was scrutinized by several Democratic senators, including Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii.

Hegseth stated that President Donald Trump directed him to restore “warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards and readiness” to the Department of Defense. Responding to Reed’s concern about whether such deployment contributes to military lethality, Hegseth asserted, “Readiness and training and accountability is all about lethality.” He emphasized that the mission in Los Angeles is “not about lethality” but about ensuring law enforcement agents are protected while performing their duties.

Reed highlighted the mobilization of 4,000 National Guard troops in California and the addition of 700 Marines, noting this complements the roughly 13,000 military personnel deployed to the southern border. Hegseth clarified that the number has increased from earlier reports, and added that such mobilization improves military preparedness rather than hampers it.

Sen. Schatz challenged the scope and legality of the deployments, questioning whether the operation implied an invasion or rebellion, both constitutional prerequisites for federal military intervention. Gen. John D. Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, referred border-related inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security but acknowledged the presence of widespread public frustration.

Hegseth countered by citing “an invasion of 21 million illegals” under the prior administration, stating the Trump administration was elected to regain control. He emphasized the need for action when ICE agents face threats like attacks with concrete blocks. Schatz cautioned against creating viral moments but continued pressing for clarity on the legal framework and geographic scope of the military orders.

California’s Legal Challenge Rebuffed

California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit opposing the federalization of the National Guard and the deployment of Marines, arguing it violated constitutional limits on military involvement in civil affairs. However, a federal judge declined the state’s request for an immediate restraining order and scheduled a hearing for Thursday to assess the legality of the deployment.

Hegseth criticized the lawsuit as politically motivated, stating, “In California, unfortunately, the governor wants to play politics with it.” He explained that the administration’s orders first mobilized 2,000 troops and were followed by another 2,000 to address increasing unrest. He added that additional deployments remain possible if violence escalates in other states.

While some lawmakers expressed concern that using the military for civil law enforcement diminishes military readiness, Hegseth defended the mission as consistent with historical precedent and essential for supporting federal agents. A Defense official noted that Marines in LA are undergoing domestic-use training at Seal Beach and have not yet been assigned to street operations.

The Senate hearing underscored the political and legal tension surrounding federal use of military personnel in domestic situations, with the Trump administration asserting its constitutional authority to protect law enforcement and preserve order amid ongoing unrest.