Riots grip Los Angeles as protesters clash with immigration officials
The riots against the Trump administration’s immigration raids in Southern California have escalated, with blame being placed on Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass by California Republicans. The chaos in Los Angeles began on Friday and continued through the weekend as immigration officials conducted raids to remove individuals living in the city illegally.
Republican California Rep. Darell Issa criticized Newsom and Bass for allowing Los Angeles to descend into violence. Issa took to social media to express his frustration, stating that Newsom and Bass have a habit of letting the city burn. He also pointed out that while Bass fights for illegal immigrants, she failed to combat the Palisades fire that ravaged Southern California in January.
The raids initiated by immigration officials on Friday prompted statements from Bass and Newsom in support of illegal immigrants in the city. Bass condemned the federal immigration enforcement actions, describing them as terrorizing the community and disrupting safety in the city. Newsom similarly criticized the raids as chaotic and reckless, emphasizing the harm caused to families and the economy.
Federal officials have condemned the violent riots in Los Angeles, attributing the blame to Democratic leaders who have demonized ICE law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security reported that rioters attacked law enforcement officers, defaced buildings, and targeted ICE officials. The LAPD declared an unlawful assembly and issued a city-wide tactical alert as the violence escalated.
California Republicans and conservatives have directed their anger towards Democratic leaders for the violence, with many criticizing Newsom and Bass for their handling of the situation. Hollywood actor James Woods called Newsom unqualified and described Bass as a communist. Other Republicans expressed disappointment in the state’s defiance of federal law and support for illegal immigrants over its own citizens.
President Trump responded to the chaos by deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to Paramount, California, to help restore order. He criticized Newsom and Bass for failing to address the riots and looting, stating that the federal government would step in to solve the problem. ICE acting Director Todd Lyons described the violence as appalling and warned that rioters would be held accountable for harming federal officers.
As the unrest continues in Los Angeles, the divide between Democratic and Republican leaders in California remains evident. The clashes over immigration policy and law enforcement enforcement have sparked tensions, leading to violence and chaos in the city. The future of immigration enforcement in California remains uncertain as the state grapples with the aftermath of the riots.
