Mayor Bass Addresses Riots in Los Angeles

On Monday, Mayor Karen Bass spoke out against the chaos in Los Angeles, attributing the disturbances to federal immigration agents attempting to enforce the law.

Bass stated that while the city is currently “peaceful,” it could face more unrest if federal immigration raids, particularly those targeting violent offenders, persist.

“Honestly, if those immigrant raids hadn’t taken place, I think we wouldn’t have seen the turmoil last night,” Bass told CNN’s “The Situation Room.”

“It’s calm right now, but the worry is about where the next conflict might arise. The locals have a quick response system in place—if they see any federal agents, they’re ready to take to the streets,” she added.

Mayor Bass expressed confusion about the need for federal intervention. “Why did the president feel the need to pull power from the governor and activate the National Guard?” she questioned.

She noted that the previous night saw a small protest that had spiraled somewhat out of control, resulting in a few arrests without just cause.

The unrest began with an incident at a Home Depot in Paramount on Friday, leading to protests against the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. By Saturday, those protests escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and federal authorities.

In response to the situation, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard members to restore order, criticizing local leaders for their inaction amid the violence.

Rep. Nanette Barragan remarked that federal immigration enforcement activities are expected to ramp up significantly over the next month.

Bass asserted that the chaos is unwarranted. “Los Angeles was at peace on Friday,” she reiterated.

California politicians, including Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, are upset with Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard, a move not seen in the city since the 1992 riots.

Trump pointed out that direct federal intervention, such as the National Guard’s presence, hasn’t occurred since the civil rights protests in Alabama during the 1960s.

In his remarks, Trump criticized the local government, suggesting that they should be grateful for his actions. He also warned protesters to avoid confrontations with law enforcement.

Bass mentioned she wasn’t concerned about facing arrest for her statements and expressed disbelief at the notion that federal law enforcement would deter public safety.

She insisted that this isn’t causing widespread unease in the city, although she did express disappointment over the vandalism seen in the downtown area.

While Bass blamed the Trump administration for the riots, her remarks drew criticism from conservative groups.

A White House Press Secretary emphasized that illegal activities are ongoing in the city, attributing it to lax policies from the local government and calling attention to the issues arising from sanctuary city practices.

Moreover, a conservative commentator remarked, “It’s quiet now, but we know what these groups are capable of if federal agencies continue their work.”