Washington, June 12: As tensions mount over the deployment of military forces in Los Angeles, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked fresh controversy Thursday by refusing to commit to complying with any judicial ruling that might limit the scope of federal troop activity in the city. His remarks, delivered during a congressional hearing, come as a federal court prepares to weigh in on a legal challenge led by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has accused the Trump administration of overstepping constitutional boundaries.
Legal Confrontation Over Military Deployment
The dispute centers on the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines in Los Angeles in response to widespread protests triggered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants. The protests, some of which have turned violent, have led to over 400 arrests in the past week.
Gov. Newsom has filed for a temporary restraining order in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeking to restrict the role of federal forces to guarding federal property within a narrowly defined area of downtown Los Angeles. The motion is set to be reviewed by Judge Charles Breyer, a Clinton appointee with previous experience overseeing sensitive civil liberties cases.
In Thursday’s hearing, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) asked Hegseth directly whether he would honor a ruling from the judiciary limiting troop deployment. Hegseth deflected, stating, “We should not have local judges determining foreign policy or national security policy for the country.” The exchange drew rebukes from Democratic lawmakers, who warned that such comments erode the rule of law and risk undermining the separation of powers.
California Pushes Back Against Federal Authority
Governor Newsom has characterized the troop deployment as a political stunt designed to suppress dissent and intimidate immigrant communities. In an interview released Thursday on The Daily, a podcast by The New York Times, Newsom said, “This is theatre. It’s madness. It’s unconstitutional.” He argued that local police, not military personnel, are capable of managing protests and safeguarding public safety.
Newsom further criticized the logistical shortcomings of the operation, posting a photo on social media showing National Guard troops sleeping on the floor. “Pete sent 4,700 troops here (when they weren’t needed) without adequate fuel, food, water or a place to sleep. But don’t worry, he’s at a baseball game,” the governor wrote, referencing Hegseth’s public appearance at a sports event.
The Defense Department’s Rapid Response Unit fired back online, posting an image of a protester waving a Mexican flag near a burning barricade with the caption, “Weren’t needed.” In a subsequent statement, U.S. Northern Command said it had contracted for “billeting, latrines, showers, food and laundry services” and that all personnel had “adequate shelter, food, and water” while waiting for full support infrastructure to be set up.
Bipartisan Concerns Inside the Military and Congress
Resistance to the deployment has not been confined to state officials or partisan critics. A coalition of former military leaders, including former Army Secretary Louis Caldera and former Navy Secretary Sean O’Keefe, submitted an amicus brief supporting Newsom’s legal challenge. The group, which includes three retired admirals and two retired generals, warned that domestic law enforcement is not the military’s mission and that such use risks long-term damage to troop morale and public trust.
“The National Guard and Marines are not trained for civilian crowd control,” the brief stated. “Their deployment for such purposes should be a last resort, not a political tool.”
On Capitol Hill, several lawmakers echoed that sentiment. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), speaking to reporters, said the administration’s posture “blurs the line between civilian oversight and military obedience,” adding that “we are setting a dangerous precedent.”
Violence on the Ground and Escalating Protests
Since June 6, protests have erupted in major cities nationwide in solidarity with demonstrators in Los Angeles. According to law enforcement, some of the LA protests have turned violent, with demonstrators reportedly throwing “commercial-grade fireworks and rocks” at officers. The LAPD has declared multiple “unlawful assemblies,” and curfews have been imposed across a one-square-mile downtown zone.
The deployment includes Marines trained in de-escalation and crowd management, but Pentagon guidelines insist they are not authorized to carry out routine civilian law enforcement. Instead, troops may briefly detain individuals who pose a direct threat to federal officers, but must immediately transfer custody to local police.
Critics argue that the mission remains poorly defined. “If the Marines are not there to police, then why are they on the streets during protests?” asked Christina Benitez, a teacher and protester in Tucson, Arizona. “This is not what America is supposed to look like.”
White House Defends Deployment, Prepares for “No Kings Day”
President Donald Trump defended the troop presence on Truth Social, claiming it prevented Los Angeles from descending into chaos. “Our great National Guard, with a little help from the Marines, put the LAPD in a position to effectively do their job,” he wrote. “Without the Military, Los Angeles would be a crime scene like we haven’t seen in years.”
Trump also responded to Newsom’s criticisms with characteristic vitriol, referring to the governor as “NewScum” and accusing him of “losing control of the situation.” Newsom, for his part, dismissed the personal attack, saying, “That’s what I think a seventh grader used to call me.”
Looking ahead, over 1,800 protests are planned nationwide on June 14, dubbed “No Kings Day” by organizers who say the events will reject what they describe as Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. The day coincides with Flag Day, the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, and Trump’s 79th birthday. While administration officials claim the overlap is coincidental, critics view the planned military parade in Washington, D.C. as yet another example of politicizing the armed forces.
National Debate Over Troop Deployment Likely to Persist
The legal showdown in federal court may offer only temporary clarity. Constitutional scholars warn that the case could reach the Supreme Court, where it would test the outer boundaries of presidential authority during peacetime.
As Governor Newsom, congressional leaders, and the courts weigh their next moves, the deployment in Los Angeles has become a national flashpoint—one that is forcing a broader reckoning over the role of the U.S. military within domestic borders and the limits of executive power in a deeply polarized nation.
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A former college-level cricketer and lifelong sports enthusiast, Arun Upadhayay brings the heart of an athlete to the sharp eye of a journalist. With firsthand experience in competitive sports and a deep understanding of team dynamics, Arun covers everything from grassroots tournaments to high-stakes international showdowns. His reporting blends field-level grit with analytical precision, making him a trusted voice for sports fans across New Jersey and beyond.
