California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized former President Donald Trump for deploying federal troops to respond to anti-ICE riots in California, calling it a misuse of taxpayer money. Bass labeled it “despicable,” and Newsom claimed the $134 million used for deployment should have gone to disaster relief, such as wildfire recovery.

Their criticism sparked backlash on social media, where users highlighted California’s extensive spending on services for illegal immigrants. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and others pointed out that the costs of supporting undocumented residents far exceed the troop deployment expenses. Critics cited billions spent annually on healthcare, education, and incarceration for illegal immigrants in the state.

Data from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimated that California spent over $22 billion in 2022, and more recently $31 billion annually, on services for undocumented immigrants. A FAIR study also found over $2 billion went toward incarceration and court-related costs. Meanwhile, California faces a $12 billion budget deficit and some of the nation’s highest taxes and living costs.

Newsom’s recent request for a $2.8 billion loan to cover a Medicaid shortfall was also scrutinized, as expanded coverage for undocumented immigrants significantly increased costs. In 2023, California became the first state to offer Medi-Cal to all low-income adults regardless of immigration status, enrolling 1.6 million undocumented individuals.

Despite heavy spending, a WalletHub study ranked California 47th nationally in taxpayer return on investment. Federal officials defended the troop deployment, arguing it prevented larger-scale destruction and economic loss amid growing unrest in Los Angeles.