Send in the troops that’s the urgent message from Senator Tom Cotton to President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, Cotton renewed his controversial stance in a Wall Street Journal essay. He openly supported the deployment of federal forces to control violence during anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles.
This move echoes his notorious 2020 op-ed, which ignited national outrage. That essay, called for a strong military response to nationwide protests. Now, as violent demonstrations return, Cotton stands firm in his belief.
The Arkansas Republican praised Trump’s recent decision to send National Guard and Marine forces to Los Angeles. Local police had lost control, prompting federal involvement. Cotton wrote that action like this is necessary to restore law and order.
Importantly, he noted Trump has not yet invoked the Insurrection Act of 1807. However, Cotton argued that send in the troops is more than a slogan. He insisted the president holds the constitutional authority to take more aggressive steps if needed.
In addition, Cotton revealed his plan to propose new federal legislation. His bill would increase penalties for violent rioters targeting law enforcement officers. It would also make riot-related crimes a reason for deportation.
Cotton emphasized that the current Republican budget includes more funds for immigration enforcement. He linked this to broader efforts to remove dangerous individuals from the country.
“These policies are common sense,” Cotton wrote. “The Democrats still haven’t learned. Enforcing laws isn’t controversial it’s essential to public safety.”
This isn’t Cotton’s first time provoking national debate. Back in 2020, his “Send in the Troops” op-ed caused an uproar. Critics, including many New York Times staffers, said the piece endangered Black employees.
At first, the Times defended publishing the essay, citing journalistic freedom. But it quickly reversed course under pressure. The backlash led to the resignation of editor James Bennet.
Conservatives pushed back, highlighting hypocrisy at the newspaper. They pointed out the Times had published opinion pieces from authoritarian leaders, including Putin and the Taliban.
Yet the firestorm didn’t stop Cotton. With renewed civil unrest, he is once again urging Trump to send in the troops. This time, he says, the stakes are even higher—and the need for action more urgent.
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