Maxine Waters Denied Entry to Detention Center Amid Protests

California Democrat Maxine Waters faced backlash from the Trump administration after being barred from entering a detention facility during the ongoing protests in Los Angeles.

Waters approached the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles and attempted to refer to the Congressional Supervisory Office. However, law enforcement officials, enforcing security measures, denied her access and closed the door as she tried to enter.

“I have urged heavily armed National Guard personnel not to use weapons against peaceful protesters, who are simply exercising their rights,” she stated.

“Hello! We’ve used our parliamentary authority to look into this,” she insisted to the National Guard officer stationed at a barricaded entrance.

The officer replied, “Ma’am, the lobby is currently safe for visitors,” before shutting the door.

A video of the encounter has gone viral on social media, and another clip shows her addressing the outside security forces.

“This is an outrageous attempt by Trump to intimidate and manipulate us, especially our sanctuary cities. This is unacceptable. I hope we won’t face further violence,” she added.

David Fuerta, who was arrested earlier during the riot, was representing his union, which claimed they merely wanted to “observe and document” law enforcement actions.

Waters issued a statement following the detention center incident, asserting, “Today, I exercised my rights as a Congress member to confirm the safety of President Fuerta, who was detained by ICE.” She expressed concern for the peaceful protesters and emphasized that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and due process under the law.

Reports indicate that Fuerta sustained injuries during his arrest, and prosecutors announced that they plan to charge him with conspiracy to obstruct justice.

The protests escalated over the weekend, with demonstrators engaging in violent confrontations with federal agents, and significant property damage occurring throughout Los Angeles.

Public criticism has emerged towards mainstream media for allegedly downplaying the violence after President Trump announced he would deploy the National Guard.