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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has attributed the recent riots in the city to the actions of the Trump administration’s Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Despite the unrest that unfolded over the weekend, she asserted that “things in L.A. are calm” during an interview on Monday.
The National Guard was deployed to Los Angeles County as protests against ICE intensified on Saturday. The epicenter of the unrest was in Paramount, California, where demonstrators confronted federal authorities amid allegations that ICE officers attempted to raid a local business.
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on the escalating protests, some Democratic leaders have voiced their concerns, suggesting that his actions have incited the violence.
During an appearance on CNN’s “Situation Room,” Bass emphasized the link between the immigration raids and the unrest. She stated, “If immigration raids had not happened here, we would not have the disorder that went on last night.” She acknowledged that while the city is peaceful now, there remains uncertainty about the timing and locations of future raids.
Bass’s comments reflect her growing concern about a pattern of federal immigration enforcement that she believes incites public unrest. “People in this city have a rapid response network. If they see ICE, they go out, and they protest. It’s just a recipe for pandemonium that is completely unnecessary,” she explained, noting that Los Angeles was largely peaceful prior to the recent events.
The Response from Law Enforcement
CNN’s Wolf Blitzer questioned Bass about the state’s impending lawsuit against the Trump administration for unrequested deployment of the National Guard. He also highlighted the LAPD police chief’s rebuke of the violent tactics used by some protesters. His inquiry led to a discussion on the necessity of increased police presence in light of the unrest.
Bass replied, “I think the issue here is state power and state sovereignty. The governor’s decisions are separate from those impacting the city. What was the reason that the president had to take the power from the governor and federalize the National Guard?”
The mayor expressed concern over the federal intervention, particularly since the protest that led to the National Guard’s deployment had only resulted in minor arrests. “The night before this action was taken, there was a protest that got a little unruly late at night. It was only 100 people. Twenty-seven people were arrested. There wasn’t a reason for this, that is the concern,” she articulated.
Criticism of Federal Immigration Enforcement
Mayor Bass did not shy away from criticizing Trump’s immigration policies, asserting that the raids were an unnecessary escalation. “Why did the raids occur? We were told that the target was violent criminals. Yet these raids took place at locations like Home Depot where individuals earn a living,” she remarked.
She continued, articulating that Los Angeles has long been home to established immigrant rights organizations. “If these random raids were going to happen, there was bound to be backlash. You add the National Guard to this situation and it feels like throwing fuel onto a fire that did not need to happen,” she stated.
When asked whether the National Guard presence was necessary, Bass confidently asserted that it was not. “No, I do not think the National Guard is needed now. Things in L.A. are calm,” she declared, while acknowledging the vandalism that occurred during the protests. “It’s important for people to know that even in downtown, this is isolated to a few streets. This is not citywide civil unrest taking place in Los Angeles. It’s unfortunate, but it is isolated and manageable.”
Calls for Accountability
During the interview, Brown played a recording of LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell condemning the violence. The chief highlighted the dangers faced by his officers, mentioning instances of police being targeted with dangerous projectiles. Brown pressed Bass on how she planned to support law enforcement as tensions rose.
Bass responded that she stands in solidarity with the police chief. She assured that criminals would be held accountable for their actions while reiterating her condemnation of the immigration raids. “The raids should stop, especially on people’s workplaces. They impact our local economy and the fabric of our city,” she insisted.
The mayor expressed concern for individuals who had been detained and whose families and lawyers struggled to make contact with them in the aftermath of these raids. “This is unprecedented. It contributes to chaos, which is what we have seen recently,” she lamented.
Balancing Safety with Rights
The dialogue between Bass and Brown reflected underlying tensions between maintaining public safety and protecting immigrant rights. Brown noted that the LAPD is overwhelmed, prompting Bass to assert that support exists from the sheriff’s department and other local agencies.
“Our current situation is manageable,” Bass asserted. “As you know, there was little happening in Los Angeles when the federal decision was made, and that evening’s protest was minor,” she explained. Bass emphasized that the federal government’s intervention was unnecessary given the scope of the unrest.
Bass’s remarks highlight the complexities of dealing with civil unrest triggered by federal immigration policies in a city known for its diverse immigrant population. The mayor’s insistence that Los Angeles remains calm and requires no additional federal troops underscores her administration’s desire to avoid further escalation in a delicate situation.
Implications for the Future
The recent events in Los Angeles raise critical questions regarding the balance of power between state and federal authorities, particularly concerning immigration enforcement and public safety. Mayor Bass’s perspective sheds light on the community’s response to federal actions that are seen as disruptive to local harmony.
As Los Angeles continues to navigate this volatile landscape, the mayor’s leadership and the community’s resilience will be tested in the wake of increasing tensions. The future of immigrant rights and public order in the city remains uncertain, as the discussions surrounding federal intervention and state sovereignty unfold.
