Troops in LA: Who's Paying the Protesters?

In Los Angeles, the federal government has sent in military troops to handle protests against immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security claims there might be a secret funder behind these demonstrations. They even hinted at a possible foreign involvement. This claim came from Tricia McLaughlin, who is in charge of public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. She mentioned that the FBI and IRS are investigating who might be financing the protests. The President had earlier accused California's governor and the mayor of Los Angeles of paying protesters. He later backtracked on this claim. McLaughlin also criticized the local leaders for not maintaining order. She discussed various topics with an NPR host, including deportation numbers and a case of mistaken deportation. The military's role in this situation has raised questions. Critics wonder if using the military for crowd control aligns with their primary mission of combat readiness. McLaughlin defended the move, stating that the military's presence is needed to restore peace and protect federal property. She mentioned incidents of violence and property damage during the protests. The conversation also touched on deportation numbers. McLaughlin noted that deportations have increased recently but are still lower than during previous administrations. She blamed legal constraints and a lack of resources for the lower numbers. The discussion also covered a case of a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador and later brought back to face criminal charges in the U. S. McLaughlin criticized judges for blocking deportations and allowing dangerous individuals to stay in the country. The use of military troops in domestic protests is a contentious issue. While some see it as a necessary measure to maintain order, others view it as an overreach of military power. The investigation into the funding of the protests adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As the situation in Los Angeles unfolds, it remains to be seen how the federal government will handle the protests and the allegations of foreign involvement.