Seven Democrats support Republican measure criticizing LA protests

Democrats Vote for GOP Resolution Condemning Protests

On Friday, seven House Democrats broke ranks to support a Republican-led resolution that criticized anti-immigration enforcement protests occurring in Los Angeles. Their vote aligned with Republicans during a demonstration linked to former President Trump’s crackdown on immigration.

All seven are moderate Democrats hailing from swing districts. Notably, two of them—Jim Costa and Adam Gray—represent California’s Agriculture Central Valley.

Others who supported the resolution include Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Donald Davis (D-N.C.), Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.), and Jared Golden (D-Maine). Cuellar, who represents a border district, has been particularly vocal about addressing immigration concerns within the Democratic Party.

Gray narrowly won his election by fewer than 200 votes. He mentioned that the resolution isn’t “perfect,” reflecting an ongoing tension within the party.

“These messaging bills have no real power; they only convey Congress’s sentiments,” he noted, adding that they express gratitude towards first responders and public safety officials. He went on to criticize the actions of California’s Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), describing them as “terrifying.”

The resolution, which was initiated by nine California Republicans from various districts, characterized the protests as escalating into “violent riots” accompanied by “arson, looting, property destruction, and vandalism.” It condemned violence directed towards law enforcement during these events.

While the resolution sought to address what Republicans labeled a “rapidly escalating obstacle,” it resulted in criticism directed at local leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom (D).

The protests began earlier this month as a reaction to federal immigrant operations impacting local businesses. In response, Trump deployed the National Guard and subsequently the Marines to Southern California to restore order.

Newsom, alongside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) and other officials, criticized Trump’s actions, claiming they only fueled the protests.

During the protests, the Los Angeles Police reported over 500 arrests, primarily occurring within a few blocks of a federal building downtown.

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) urged her colleagues to oppose the resolution, describing it as a “partisan maneuver to score political points.”