Troop Deployment to Los Angeles Sparks Legal Battle, Cost Concerns
Federal Intervention Faces Opposition as Price Tag Climbs
A substantial military presence in Los Angeles, authorized by Donald Trump, is projected to cost taxpayers at least $134 million for a minimum of 60 days, igniting a political and logistical firestorm over federal authority and immigration enforcement.
Military Mobilization Details
Approximately 2,700 military personnel—700 marines and 2,000 national guard troops—were dispatched to the city on Monday, a move publicly opposed by both California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, revealed the cost estimate during a House hearing on Tuesday.
According to Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, special assistant to the secretary of defense, the $134 million primarily covers travel, lodging, and food expenses. “The current cost estimate for the deployment is $134m, which is largely just the cost of travel, housing and food,”
she stated during a House subcommittee meeting.
🚨BREAKING: California Governor @GavinNewsom says President Trump did NOT call him about deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles. https://t.co/q6q6q6q6q6
— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 11, 2025
Justification and Controversy
The deployment is intended to assist with deportations and control what officials describe as rioters, though critics allege the action represents federal overreach. Trump defended the decision, asserting the troops will remain until the situation stabilizes. He claimed the mobilization was necessary to prevent a “horrible situation.”
The move comes amid heightened tensions following immigration raids that resulted in over 40 arrests. Protests escalated over the weekend, with demonstrators blocking roadways and damaging vehicles, prompting police responses involving tear gas and less-lethal projectiles. According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, ICE arrests have increased by 27% in the last quarter, fueling further demonstrations. (DHS Report, June 2025)
Legal Challenges and Political Fallout
California officials have filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing the federal mobilization infringes upon state sovereignty. During the House hearing, Democratic Congressman Pete Aguilar questioned the legal basis for deploying the military for civilian law enforcement. “Which authority is triggered here to justify the use?”
he asked.
Hegseth responded by stating,
“I don’t know. You just read it yourself so people can listen themselves, but it sounds like all three to me.”—Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary
The Los Angeles police chief, Jim McDonnell, expressed concerns that the arrival of military forces could complicate de-escalation efforts. He stated the deployment presented “a significant logistical and operational challenge.”
Democrats also criticized Hegseth’s past actions, including the firing of Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. and his involvement in a leaked chat discussing potential military action in Yemen. However, many lawmakers focused on budgetary matters and foreign military capabilities during the hearing.
