Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the deployment of Army National Guard soldiers and Marines to Los Angeles to protect federal facilities under siege by protestors opposed to immigration operations.

Mr. Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified Tuesday before the House Appropriations Committee.

He said U.S. immigration agents have the right to conduct operations in California or any other state without fearing for their safety from hostile crowds.

“Especially after 21 million illegals have crossed our border under the previous administration. [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] ought to be able to do its job, whether it’s Minneapolis or Los Angeles,” Mr. Hegseth said during questioning by Rep. Betty McCollum, Minnesota Democrat.

Ms. McCollum peppered him with questions about the financial impact the deployment of troops to Los Angeles is having on military operations. “Where are you pulling the money from, and how are you planning this moving forward?” she asked. “These are budget questions that affect this committee and the decisions we’re going to be making.”

Mr. Hegseth said the troops are expected to be on the scene in the Los Angeles area for 60 days. The Pentagon budgeted $134 million for the mission, primarily for travel, housing and food.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.