AOC downplays LA rioters as just teens, blames Trump
“Squad” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has drawn criticism for downplaying the recent riots in Los Angeles, attributing the chaos to unruly teens rather than violent anarchists. She also placed blame on former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown for the unrest, sparking a heated debate on social media.
In a series of posts on the social media platform Bluesky, Ocasio-Cortez argued that Democrats should not be held accountable for every teen who throws a rock during the riots in Los Angeles. She accused the Trump administration of intentionally creating chaos and stoking violence through its immigration policies. The congresswoman suggested that the current administration should be held responsible for the unrest, rather than Democrats.
The riots in Los Angeles, which began on Friday, prompted President Trump to deploy the National Guard and the U.S. Marines to restore order. Videos circulating on social media showed rioters throwing rocks at police vehicles and law enforcement officers, as well as waving Mexican flags. One violent individual, identified as Elpidio Reyna, was caught on camera throwing rocks at federal officers. Despite efforts to apprehend him, Reyna remains at large.
Ocasio-Cortez further criticized Trump for sending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to apprehend illegal migrants, which she claimed triggered the violent response in Los Angeles. The congresswoman referenced Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts during his presidency, which resulted in the arrest and deportation of thousands of individuals.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE arrested a previously deported illegal immigrant from Mexico who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at law enforcement officers during the riots. The individual has been charged with attempted murder. Rioters in Los Angeles have also engaged in other violent activities, including setting off fireworks, vandalizing property, looting businesses, and defacing the LAPD headquarters.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass have also attempted to shift blame onto Trump for the unrest in Los Angeles. However, Trump and his supporters have defended his decision to deploy troops to the city, arguing that it was necessary to prevent further escalation of violence.
The debate surrounding the riots in Los Angeles highlights the ongoing political polarization in the United States. While some blame the Trump administration for inciting violence through its immigration policies, others argue that strong action was necessary to maintain law and order in the face of civil unrest. The situation underscores the challenges facing policymakers as they navigate complex issues of immigration, law enforcement, and public safety.
