As California leaders criticize the $134 million federal expenditure to deploy troops in Los Angeles to quell anti‑ICE unrest, social media users have turned the spotlight on the state’s own spending. Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass accused the deployment of diverting funds needed for fire recovery and public safety upgrades.
In response, critics highlighted that California allocates tens of billions annually to services for undocumented residents. Many took to social platforms to share breakdowns of state spending—pointing out figures ranging from $22 billion to $31 billion per year for healthcare, education, and incarceration attributed to illegal immigrants.
Supporters of the deployment emphasized that the cost pales in comparison to projected losses from property damage, looting, and injuries sustained during riots. Meanwhile, Newsom’s communications team defended state expenditures, arguing that investing in immigrant services yields long-term benefits, unlike the transient outlay for federal troops.
Behind the online backlash lies a broader political clash over budget priorities and the credibility of COEXISTENCE with immigrant populations versus immediate crisis response.