WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended his decision to order troops to provide security during federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, telling senators Wednesday that it’s about “maintaining law and order.”

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., condemned the move as illegal, saying it erodes military readiness and questioning how it is being funded. It was the second day of harsh congressional questioning for Hegseth on the deployment of troops over the objections of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, continued military aid to Ukraine, a deal on a gifted Qatari jet and more.

“The mission in Los Angeles, as you know well, sir, is not about lethality,” Hegseth said in response to questions. “It’s about maintaining law and order on behalf of law enforcement agents who deserve to do their job without being attacked by mobs of people.”

The exchange underscored confusion about the deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to provide security at the immigration protests and operations in Los Angeles. Photos have shown National Guard troops setting a security perimeter around agents as they make arrests in the city, moving them closer to law enforcement functions, which by law they are not allowed to do.

The Marines are at a base near the city and have not yet been used.

Speaking at the Senate defense appropriations subcommittee hearing, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said that the California deployment, along with President Donald Trump’s threat to use force against protesters at the Army’s 250th anniversary parade Saturday, “should stop every one of us cold,” and added, “It is unconstitutional. And it is downright un-American.”

Asked later what constitutional authority the department is using to deploy active duty Marines to the protests, Hegseth said he didn’t know the specific provision but would provide it.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was testifying alongside Hegseth, was asked whether he sees evidence of “rebellion” in the U.S.

“There are definitely some frustrated folks out there,” Caine said in response.

Caine, asked if he believes the U.S. is being invaded by a foreign power, said, “I don’t see any foreign, state- sponsored folks invading, but I’ll be mindful of the fact that there have been some border issues.”