Riots in Los Angeles Trigger Political Fallout
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has recently criticized the Trump administration, blaming it for the riots that took place in the city over the weekend. In an interview with CNN, she specifically pointed to actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as fueling the violence.
Local officials reported that rioters were throwing rocks at police vehicles during these events.
“Why was there an attack?” Bass questioned. “We were told that [Trump] was planning to pursue violent criminals. It wasn’t a drug den; it was a Home Depot—a place of work. So, what was the intent behind this?”
Bass’s comments followed an immigration raid that occurred at the Home Depot in Paramount, California. She suggested that without such raids, the situation might have remained peaceful.
“If you return and look on Friday, I have to admit there were no disturbances last night. It feels calm now,” she remarked.
In another interview, Bass mentioned having a “quick response network” in place for protests, highlighting her concern about potential confusion and unrest in the city. She noted, “It’s peaceful right now, but who knows when another incident might happen?”
Bass also accused Trump of bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom by deploying the National Guard without consulting him first. She raised questions about the necessity of federal intervention, asking why Trump felt the need to seize control in a manner that undermined state authority.
“We don’t agree with this approach, as it seems to diminish the state’s sovereignty. What was the reason behind the president’s actions the night before?” she expressed.
Newsom echoed this sentiment, criticizing the Trump administration’s decision to involve the National Guard to address tensions along the southern border. He implied that such measures could have serious repercussions for state officials who seek to obstruct federal immigration practices.
“Arrest me; let’s deal with it head-on,” Newsom asserted, emphasizing the challenges presented by federal policies.
Trump responded, acknowledging Newsom’s reputation but asserting that he has failed in leadership, claiming, “Everyone knows he’s grossly incompetent.”
On Monday, Trump shared a post emphasizing that federal law enforcement had been vital in curbing further violence in California. He stated that the National Guard was necessary to manage the unrest, asserting that without it, Los Angeles could have faced significant destruction.
“We made a significant decision by sending the National Guard to handle the riots, and without that intervention, Los Angeles would have been left in ruins,” he claimed.
“Yet, they continue to mislead Californians, insisting these are merely ‘peaceful protests.’ Evidence of violence contradicts that narrative.”
