California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized President Trump over the $134 million cost of deploying troops to control anti-ICE riots, calling it a waste of taxpayer money better spent on fire recovery. Social media responses highlighted that California spends tens of billions annually on services for illegal immigrants, far exceeding the troop deployment cost.
According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), California spent over $22 billion in 2022 on benefits and services for illegal immigrants, with estimates rising to $31 billion annually. The state also faces a $12 billion budget deficit, high taxes, and housing costs. Medi-Cal coverage was expanded to about 1.6 million illegal immigrants, increasing Medicaid expenses.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the federal response, warning that without troops, rioters could cause millions in property damage. She criticized Newsom and Bass for ignoring the destruction and praised President Trump for restoring law and order in Los Angeles.
