Hegseth responds to Dem question about immigration

 Federalist Wire:

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The streets of Los Angeles recently descended into turmoil, with anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots exposing a stark divide between those who prioritize law and order and those who turn a blind eye to chaos. On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced off against Democrat Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono during a tense Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, where she accused the Trump administration of deploying “lethal force” against civilians.

Hirono’s pointed questions aimed to paint President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines as an escalation of tensions. She pressed Hegseth, asking, “Do you plan to unleash this lethal force against U.S. citizens and civilians in LA and other cities?” Her framing suggested a reckless use of force, ignoring the reality of Molotov cocktails, burning cars, and assaults on law enforcement that have plagued Los Angeles. The senator’s rhetoric plays nicely with the Democrat history of downplaying the severity ofb riots, framing them as mere protests rather than acknowledging the criminal acts at their core.

Hegseth, undeterred, rejected Hirono’s accusations outright. “Well, senator, I would reject more of the characterization of that statement, including lethality against U.S. cities when all of those National Guardsman and Marines have conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism defending our federal agents. Americans deserve to be able to do their jobs to deport illegal aliens after the previous administration allowed 21 million illegals to cross our border,” he stated. His response highlighted the administration’s focus on protecting federal agents and upholding immigration laws, a priority Democrats have consistently sidestepped in favor of sanctuary policies.

The senator’s persistence took a theatrical turn when she interrupted Hegseth, demanding he respond “professionally” before posing a hypothetical about shooting peaceful protesters in the legs. “Senator, as I said before, of course I reject the premise of your question. And the characterization that I would be given or are given unlawful orders, it’s all meant to smear the commander-in-chief and I won’t fall for it,” Hegseth shot back. Pete Hegseth refused to entertain Hirono’s inflammatory scenario or give it any validity.

Rioters have hurled Molotov cocktails and fireworks, set vehicles ablaze, and assaulted police officers, prompting a robust response from the National Guard and Marines. On Sunday, officers deployed tear gas and flash bangs to separate violent rioters from peaceful protesters, a necessary measure to prevent further escalation. Yet, Democrats like Hirono seem more concerned with criticizing the response than addressing the violence that necessitated it, a stance that risks emboldening further lawlessness.
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I suspect that most of those rioting were in the US illegally, and they think they should get away with it, as do many Democrats who want to give the illegals a vote rather than deporting them as required by US law.