Los Angeles officials demand ICE, National Guard leave after immigration riots
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made shocking claims during a press conference on Wednesday, alleging that the LA riots were “provoked by the White House.” Bass went as far as to suggest that the city was being used as part of a national experiment to test the power of the federal government.
According to Bass, local officials initially heard that the administration was targeting violent felons, gang members, and drug dealers. However, she claimed that federal agents were conducting raids in workplaces, separating parents from children, and driving armored vehicles through the streets. These actions, she argued, were causing fear and panic rather than keeping the city safe.
The protests against immigration enforcement had escalated into violent riots over the weekend, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops and at least 500 Marines to the area. In response, local officials implemented a nightly curfew and announced hundreds of arrests following the destruction of local businesses and violence against police.
Bass did not condemn the violent rioting during the press conference, instead focusing on her belief that the White House was behind the unrest. She suggested that the federal government was overreaching its power and leaving the city and its citizens in fear.
The White House responded on X, questioning why “Radical Left lunatics” were defending criminals who had no right to be in the country. The administration criticized Bass and other officials for opposing the enforcement of immigration laws and removing violent criminal immigrants from the streets.
Several surrounding mayors and local officials joined Bass in denouncing the federal government’s actions. They argued that ICE should not be enforcing immigration laws in California and called for the removal of National Guard troops and Marines from the region. They also expressed concern about the constitutionality of the Trump administration’s actions.
Despite the opposition from local officials, ICE raids continued in cities like Downey and South Gate. The mayors and council members emphasized that the individuals affected by the raids were Americans, regardless of their immigration status.
Bass raised concerns about the role of Marines in domestic affairs, noting that they were trained for warfare on foreign lands. She questioned what role they could play without the authority to make arrests.
In response to the unrest, Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons announced the creation of a fund to support immigrant families in her city. The council and staff were working to provide additional support and assistance to those impacted by the riots.
The White House and Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation. The ongoing conflict between local officials and the federal government highlighted the challenges of immigration enforcement and the balance of power between different levels of government.
