House speaker says deploying Marines in Los Angeles not "heavy-handed"

Mike Johnson backed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's call for active-duty Marines to be on "high alert" amid ongoing protests in Los Angeles.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's call to place active-duty U.S. Marines near Los Angeles on "high alert" amid ongoing protests, saying during a Sunday interview appearance on ABC News that the move is not "heavy-handed."

Newsweek has reached out to Johnson for comment via email on Sunday.

Why It Matters

Federal immigration enforcement operations sparked protests across California for a second day in a row on Saturday. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out raids in Paramount, Los Angeles County, following similar actions at several locations throughout other parts of the city on Friday.

The Trump administration has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history and has conducted numerous ICE raids, some of which have swept up individuals with proper documentation. Earlier this week, protests erupted over claims that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building—allegations ICE has denied. A spokesperson previously told Newsweek that the agency "categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles."

Some protestors have thrown rocks at law enforcement, with one allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail, as well as burning items in the street. Agents have used tear gas on the crowds.

The clashes highlight deepening conflicts between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy, as Trump has implemented sweeping changes through executive orders and utilized the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand deportation authority.

President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard to quell the protests. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move, saying local law enforcement was already mobilized and the presence of the National Guard was "purposefully inflammatory," would "escalate tensions" and "erode public trust."

Los Angeles Police Department officers move to disperse a protest after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation on June 6 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Police Department officers move to disperse a protest after federal immigration authorities conducted an operation on June 6 in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Jae C. HongWhat To Know

Hegseth said in a Saturday evening post on X, formerly Twitter, that in addition to mobilizing guards, nearby Marines may also be called upon, writing, "And, if violence continues, active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert."

Camp Pendleton, located north of San Diego, has more than 42,000 active-duty Marines and sailors.

On Sunday morning, ABC News' This Week journalist Jonathan Karl asked Johnson about Hegseth's warning and if Americans would "really see active-duty Marines on the streets of Los Angeles?"

The House speaker responded: "One of our core principles is maintaining peace through strength. We do that on foreign affairs and domestic affairs as well, I don't think that's heavy-handed. I think that's an important signal."

The phrase "peace through strength" has become a core slogan and guiding principle of the second Trump administration.

Karl followed up, asking, "You don't think sending Marines into the streets of an American city is heavy-handed?"

"We have to be prepared to do what is necessary, and I think the notice that that might happen might have the deterring effect," Johnson said.

Newsom, who has been criticized by the Trump administration for not doing enough to stop the protests, called Hegseth's statement about preparing Marines "deranged behavior."

Karl also asked Johnson about the president's deployment of the National Guard, which was announced last night but not in the streets.

"I think the president did exactly what he needed to do. These are federal laws. We have to maintain the rule of law, and that is not what is happening. Gavin Newsom has shown an inability or anunwillingness to do what is necessary there, so the president stepped in," Johnson said, adding that the move shows "real leadership, and he has the authority and responsibility to do it."

In a late Saturday night post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "Great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest. We have an incompetent Governor (Newscum) and Mayor (Bass) who were, as usual (just look at how they handled the fires, and now their VERY SLOW PERMITTING disaster. Federal permitting is complete!), unable to to handle the task..."

Newsom reshared the post on his X account, writing: "For those keeping track, Donald Trump's National Guard had not been deployed on the ground when he posted this." Troops arrived in the early hours of Sunday.

What People Are Saying

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, said on CBS News' Face the Nation on Sunday: "Every governor is going to make their own decisions based on the situation. In this case, Governor Newsom has made clear that he wants local law enforcement protecting the citizens, and he's asked the president not to inflame the situation...you don't want to inflame things by threatening to bring in the Marines or deporting people by mistake."

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a Saturday X post: "A message to the LA rioters: you will not stop us or slow us down.@ICEgov will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in an X wrote on Saturday: "This is a difficult time for our city. As we recover from an unprecedented natural disaster, many in our community are feeling fear following recent federal immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles County. Reports of unrest outside the city, including in Paramount, are deeply concerning. We've been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward. Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable."

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday night: "If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can't do their jobs, which everyone knows they can't, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!"

What Happens Next

The National Guard has arrived in Los Angeles and a third day of protests are expected.

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