WASHINGTON, D.C.(KELO)-  Senate Majority Leader John Thune is speaking out about the ongoing protests in Los Angeles.

In a press conference on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Thune criticized how local officials have been dealing with the situation.

Thune also addressed the reasoning behind President Trump sending in National Guard troops.

Around 700 U.S. Marines have also been deployed to the LA area.

The violent protests broke out in response to the Trump administration’s recent ICE raids in the city.