Defence Secretary defends LA troop deployment as 'lawful and constitutional'

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators on Wednesday, June 11, that the deployment of thousands of troops to Los Angeles was both “lawful and constitutional,” framing the move as necessary to support federal immigration enforcement and uphold public order. Speaking at a Senate hearing, Hegseth said the military presence in the city was intended to assist federal agents in carrying out their duties amid widespread protests and unrest triggered by recent immigration raids. “This is about maintaining law and order so federal personnel can do their job safely,” Hegseth said, defending the use of the National Guard amid concerns from lawmakers about militarisation and the potential infringement of civil liberties.