The Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, along with other local officials, criticized a recent action taken by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday.
“It feels like we’re part of this national experiment to see if the federal government can override local authority and leave our cities vulnerable,” Bass stated during a press conference.
She highlighted that many cities in the region have significant immigrant populations, though they might not always be the majority.
This statement coincided with President Trump’s decision to send thousands of National Guard members and Marines to Los Angeles to manage protests. In response, Bass imposed curfews in the downtown area and called on the federal government to withdraw its forces amidst the unrest.
Arturo Flores, the Mayor of Huntington Park and a former soldier, spoke out on Thursday, expressing that “militarized immigration enforcement has no place in our communities,” emphasizing that deploying military personnel within the U.S. is a serious escalation that undermines democratic values.
“As mayors from this area, we’re focused on supporting immigrant communities while rejecting fear-driven tactics that damage public trust,” he reiterated.
Flores also urged federal forces to “uphold civil rights,” stressing that their community shouldn’t be treated like a battlefield.
He added, “Using military forces and conducting ICE operations in immigrant neighborhoods isn’t about ensuring safety. It’s a play rooted in fear that threatens families and undermines the trust between local officials and the communities we serve. I’m standing with Mayor Bass and other leaders who share these concerns.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit against Trump to allow the state’s National Guard to operate without prior consultation. He criticized the lack of proper accommodations for the troops since their deployment to LA.
“For many of our communities, this is one of the most challenging times we’ve faced recently. People are confused, and families are afraid to step outside,” he noted.
He remarked that, given the area’s diversity, some individuals are even avoiding going to work.
Since the protests began last Friday, law enforcement has arrested hundreds, with more residents at risk of detention as Trump’s border chief, Tom Homan, indicated that operations would continue despite the unrest.
