Explore the tensions and responses in Los Angeles as border protests intensify, capturing a city on edge in a pivotal moment.
The City of Angels is witnessing its third consecutive day of border protests, fueled by panic over rumored immigration raids at a Home Depot store in suburban Paramount. Many day laborers, primarily undocumented immigrants, have been caught in the turmoil.
Tensions soared when reports emerged of immigration vehicles spotted in the vicinity, igniting protests. Clashes turned violent with the use of stones and Molotov cocktails, prompting police intervention.
Demonstrators fiercely opposed police efforts, notably blocking police vehicles at an underpass, leading to heightened confrontations.
President Donald Trump has ordered federal forces into Los Angeles following escalating anti-immigrant demonstrations. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump described Los Angeles as ‘overrun by illegal aliens and criminals.’ He announced the deployment of the National Guard to restore order.
‘We are taking all necessary steps to rid Los Angeles of the migrant invasion and halt these riots,’ Trump asserted.
The protests, sparked by ICE raids, intensified over the weekend, leading to blockades on highways 101 and 110. Groups set autonomous vehicles on fire, reportedly owned by Waymo, Google’s self-driving car company. The LAPD confirmed the incidents, declaring the protests an ‘illegal gathering.’ Several arrests followed.
Sunday afternoon saw police using batons and flash grenades to disperse protesters, who carried signs reading ‘Get ICE out of our communities.’ The LAPD cited rock and bottle throwing as justification for their response.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her attempts to dissuade Trump from deploying the National Guard, acknowledging the failure of her efforts. Bass stressed that the presence of federal forces instills fear rather than safety.
‘The raids and military presence separate families and incite public panic, reflecting an agenda beyond policy,’ she stated.
Former Vice President and 2024 presidential hopeful Kamala Harris condemned the National Guard deployment as a ‘dangerous escalation.’ Harris supports peaceful protests, emphasizing their role in the pursuit of justice.
‘It is part of the Trump administration’s calculated agenda to spread panic and division,’ she remarked.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has demanded the withdrawal of federalized National Guard troops in a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Newsom argued that federal intervention exacerbates the situation and violates state sovereignty.
‘We didn’t have a problem until Trump intervened,’ he declared.
A coalition of Democratic governors issued a joint statement opposing Trump’s military intervention, stressing the importance of state authority over National Guard deployments.
‘Deploying troops without state consultation is both ineffective and hazardous,’ the statement warned, noting potential threats to public trust and military missions.
Yorum Yap