

Meet the Press NOW — June 11
Jun 11, 2025
Rep. Adam Smith, a Democratic Congressman and ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, discusses the controversial deployment of troops to Los Angeles amid protests and the complex implications for civil liberties. Francesca Chambers, White House correspondent for USA Today, analyzes public sentiment surrounding immigration policies and the backlash against military involvement in domestic issues. Together, they delve into the financial ramifications of troop presence and upcoming political dynamics as protests escalate.
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Excessive Military Deployment in LA
- The military deployment in Los Angeles is a unique and extreme measure with over 4,700 troops mobilized.
- Local law enforcement has largely controlled the protests before troop arrival, signaling possible political motives.
ICE Deploying SWAT-Style Units
- ICE special response teams resemble SWAT units, equipped for potentially violent raids with armored vehicles.
- Their planned deployment to sanctuary cities like Seattle and New York reflects a militarized enforcement approach beyond typical immigration arrests.
Broader Immigration Enforcement Scope
- The Trump administration is expanding immigration enforcement beyond violent criminals to include many who entered illegally without criminal records.
- This broad approach aims to increase daily arrests to around 3,000, raising legal and ethical concerns.