Discussion on Immigration Enforcement during LA Riots
On Wednesday, during a segment on “The View,” co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin cautioned her fellow hosts about potential pitfalls in discussions surrounding immigration and the role of Customs Enforcement (ICE) amidst the Los Angeles riots.
Sunny Hostin expressed a strong opinion, saying, “I don’t think Trump is just doing this for show. This feels like a test, allowing some institutions to crumble. It seems like he’s trying to leverage military power to restrict rights. It’s pretty obvious. When you turn it against your own people, that’s a sign of fascism.” She continued to challenge the president’s decision to send troops to bolster police efforts during the unrest.
Griffin urged her peers to remain cautious and not to “take the bait,” although Hostin disagreed, suggesting there was no bait to take. Griffin added, “I haven’t finished my thought yet. ICE agents are generally non-partisan. They serve under various administrations, and they don’t just choose to act; they follow orders.” Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg made it clear they weren’t demonizing ICE agents, though Hostin accused them of contributing to poor behavior amid the chaos of the Los Angeles situation.
Griffin reiterated, “It’s crucial to remember that the Commander-in-Chief made this call. They’re simply executing orders.” Goldberg drew a historical parallel, commenting on the unsettling similarities to Germany in the 1930s and questioning where else such tactics might’ve been used before.
Meanwhile, co-host Sarah Haynes pointed out that while she doesn’t blame the National Guard or Marines for their actions, it’s important to consider their positions carefully. “You know, statistically speaking, many of them likely share your political views. Half of them might feel quite uncomfortable with these commands. They have families too,” she noted.
Goldberg agreed on the point, highlighting the necessity of immigrant workers in various sectors, including construction. Hostin had previously argued that the status of undocumented individuals doesn’t inherently equate to illegality, discussing implications amidst the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles.
