Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, faced intense scrutiny during congressional hearings regarding the deployment of troops to Los Angeles to aid ICE operations amidst ongoing protests. Lawmakers, particularly Senate Democrats, questioned the legality and justification for the military presence, pointing out a possible double standard compared to previous unrest. Hegseth defended the actions stating that protecting ICE agents is imperative, though he struggled to articulate the legal framework supporting the deployment. The estimated cost of the operation has raised further concerns, while discussions also touched on broader defense budget priorities. Tensions rose as Hegseth clashed with both Republican and Democratic members, underscoring the contentious nature of military interventions in civilian protests.