California Democrats are fuming over President Trump’s deployment of federal troops to control the violent anti-ICE riots rocking Los Angeles—but critics say they’re ignoring a much bigger price tag: the billions California spends on illegal immigrants every year.
On X (formerly Twitter), Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass blasted the Trump administration after it sent in federal forces to restore order. The move reportedly cost $134 million—a figure Newsom called “shameful.”
“This money should be going to fire recovery, not Trump’s ego trip,” Newsom posted.
Bass chimed in, calling the deployment “despicable” and “a shameful use of taxpayer dollars.”
But the internet wasn’t buying it.
Conservative voices immediately fired back, pointing to California’s massive spending on illegal immigrants—an amount that dwarfs the riot response costs.
“Wait till you find out how many trillions we have to spend on illegal aliens,” posted Trump ally and former White House senior adviser Stephen Miller.
Andrew Clark, a top campaign strategist, wrote: “Now do the $9 billion you drained out of our state treasury to fund free healthcare for illegals.”
Filmmaker and activist Robby Starbuck added: “How many billions have you spent on illegals, Gavin? Hundreds of billions. That money should’ve gone to your citizens and fire recovery—but you gave it away.”
Billions for Illegals, But Riots Spark Outrage?
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates California spent over $22 billion on illegal immigrants in 2022—and that number has only grown.
According to FAIR’s latest analysis, California taxpayers shelled out $31 billion in 2024 alone to fund benefits and services for illegal immigrants. That includes education, healthcare, housing, and legal aid.
Another 2019 FAIR study revealed California spent more than $2 billion annually just to incarcerate illegal aliens in state prisons.
And in January, Newsom quietly requested a $2.8 billion bailout to shore up California’s Medicaid program—ballooning, in large part, due to extending coverage to illegal immigrants.
California now offers full Medi-Cal benefits to all low-income adults regardless of immigration status. Roughly 1.6 million illegal immigrants are enrolled, compared to 15 million total Medi-Cal recipients statewide.
Yet despite the billions being spent, California continues to rank 47th in the nation for taxpayer return on investment, according to WalletHub, which examined taxes versus quality of public services like education, safety, and infrastructure.
Trump Officials Fire Back: “They Should Be Thanking Him”
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin didn’t mince words when responding to Newsom and Bass.
“They’re ignoring the high price of mass looting and destruction. Rioters are torching small businesses and public property. President Trump won’t let great American cities burn to the ground.”
She added, “Newsom and Bass should be thanking President Trump for stepping in to restore order—not whining about the cost of protecting their cities.”
Photos from the scene show a protester waving a Mexican flag in front of a burning vehicle in downtown L.A.—just one image among dozens of violence, looting, and chaos.
Newsom’s Team: It’s About ‘Return on Investment’
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Newsom Communications Director Izzy Gardon defended California’s priorities.
“There’s an irrefutable return on investment when Californians have access to education and healthcare,” Gardon said. “Trump pulling troops off the border and wildfire zones to chase headlines in L.A. is political theater. It’s disgraceful.”
Mayor Bass echoed that sentiment during an MSNBC appearance: “We are a city of immigrants. Entire industries rely on them. This crackdown is hurting families and hurting our economy.”
Legal Battle Escalates Over National Guard Deployment
Late Thursday, a federal judge ordered President Trump to return control of California’s National Guard to the state, claiming his deployment overstepped constitutional bounds.
But hours later, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked that ruling. A final hearing is set for June 17, setting the stage for another fierce legal showdown between the Trump administration and California Democrats.
As the riots continue and the lawsuits fly, many Americans are left asking: Why are California leaders outraged over $134 million to stop violence, but silent about the billions funneled to illegal immigrants year after year?
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No one caresSent from my iPhone
The hypocrites just can\’t help themselves. They should be ignored and pittied. I don\’t think they know any better because all they feel is hate.
That’s insane!Sent from my iPhone
If the Republican congress would act and stop direct support of illegals (costing Americans a trillion dollars a year), then sanctuary cities would have the costs of cell phones, food, housing, medical care, and “spending money” (prepaid debit cards) instead of all Americans paying. It would also be an incentive for illegals to self deport.
I’ve asked my GOP congressman and senators about this, and they don’t even respond to me. So clearly the congress—both parties—are part of the problem. 2026 needs to see term limits imposed by the primaries!