The U.S. will spend around $134 million to deploy Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles.
A top Pentagon official revealed on Tuesday that sending U.S. Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles will cost taxpayers an estimated $134 million. The announcement has added more fuel to the ongoing backlash over President Donald Trump’s handling of rising anti-immigration protests in the city.
While appearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, senior budget officer Bryn MacDonnell stated that the full cost would be drawn from the Pentagon’s Operation and Maintenance funds. The budget will cater to soldiers’ meals, lodging, transportation, and other operational needs.
“The current estimated cost is $134 million,” said MacDonnell.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, testifying alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, said the deployment will last for 60 days. The military’s task will be to guard federal facilities and personnel, but they won’t intervene with civilians unless the Insurrection Act is officially activated — something Trump hasn’t yet done.
General Eric Smith, the Marine Commandant, told senators in a different session that troops are trained for crowd control — not arrests.
“They’re there to secure property and protect federal operations, not to arrest people,” Smith explained.
In the heart of Los Angeles, where protests against ICE operations continue, many locals are angered by the military presence.
“This is pure waste,” said resident Michael Marshall. “Trump is just spreading fear.”
Another local, Juan Robledo, added:
“It’s too much force against citizens who are just protesting.”
For people like Priscilla Martinez, the troop deployment isn’t just politics — it hits close to home. Many families affected by ICE crackdowns say the situation is creating fear and division instead of offering peace or safety.
Despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, President Trump pushed forward with the deployment. At the same time, he traveled to Fort Bragg for a week-long event celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary — ending with a grand military parade.
While Trump praises the deployment as a necessary step, critics believe it’s more about optics and control than actual public safety. The hefty cost, growing unrest, and lack of local approval continue to stir heated national debate.
