Congress Spars Over National Guard's Role in LA Anti-ICE Protests

Tensions Flare in Congress Over National Guard Deployment to Los Angeles Anti-ICE Protests Washington, D.C. - The deployment of the National Guard to quell anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles last week has sparked a heated debate in Congress. During a House hearing on June 10, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar clashed over the legality and necessity of the action. Aguilar, representing California, questioned the legal basis for the deployment, stating, "When the Secretary of Defense doesn’t know what law triggered the deployment of troops against American citizens, he should resign." He emphasized the lack of clear legal justification for using the National Guard in this context. Hegseth, however, defended the decision, arguing that the governor of California had failed to protect law enforcement and citizens. He stated, "If you've got millions of illegals and you don't know where they're coming from... that's a problem." He highlighted concerns about the safety of ICE agents and the need for federal intervention. The exchange underscores the deep divisions within the government regarding immigration enforcement and the appropriate use of federal power in domestic situations. The debate is expected to continue as Congress examines the events in Los Angeles and the broader implications of the National Guard deployment.