Pete Hegseth Defends National Guard Deployment to Los Angeles Amidst Criticism

National Guard Deployment Concerns

• ⚠️ Rep. Pete Aguilar expressed severe concern regarding the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles without state consultation.
• 😥 Photographs showed troops sleeping on the floor, lacking basic necessities like fuel, food, or water.

Defense Secretary's Response

• 🛡️ Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that commanders and troops are well-prepared and responded rapidly to a deteriorating situation.
• 🤝 He stated that his office is actively ensuring troops are housed, fed, and have water capabilities in real-time.
• 🚫 Hegseth refuted the insinuation that the department does not care about the troops, calling it a disingenuous attack.

Deployment Duration and Cost

• 🗓️ The deployment is publicly stated to last 60 days to maintain peace and support law enforcement officers in Los Angeles.
• 💰 The estimated cost is $134 million, primarily for travel, housing, and food (TDY costs).
• 💸 Funding is being drawn from O&M (Operations and Maintenance) accounts.

Justification for Military Use

• ⚖️ Hegseth cited 10 USC 12406 as the legal basis for using the National Guard or active duty troops to protect federal agents.
• 🚨 The justification includes scenarios of invasion, rebellion, or the inability of regular forces to execute US laws, which he argued applies to the situation in Los Angeles.
• 🏛️ He stated that the Governor of California and the Mayor of Los Angeles have failed to protect their people, necessitating presidential action.
• 🇺🇸 The deployment is framed as upholding law and order and protecting ICE agents who are performing their duty of deporting illegal criminals.