Noem Labels Los Angeles “City of Criminals” Amid Protests

Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem has described Los Angeles as a “city of criminals,” criticizing Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom for their response to ongoing protests against the Trump administration’s immigration actions.

“Today, we targeted over 400 to 500 individuals. We’ve had a presence in Los Angeles for years, yet Gavin Newsom hasn’t done anything,” Noem stated.

She continued, “[Bass] is now holding a press conference discussing people’s right to peaceful protest, claiming they are immigrant cities.”

“But they aren’t just immigrant cities. They have shielded these individuals for years, making them criminal cities,” added the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Noem’s comments coincided with President Trump’s deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles, as per Newsom’s statements.

Trump argued that the National Guard’s presence is necessary to address violence stemming from protests against a recent increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities.

Additionally, around 700 Marines have been sent to Los Angeles to safeguard federal buildings and officials.

The decision has faced backlash from Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming it’s an attempt to exert “unprecedented power.”

In response, a DHS statement emphasized, “As violence against law enforcement escalates, we will respond more forcefully against those involved.”