Tensions Rise on Los Angeles Outskirts Amid Immigration Protests
Los Angeles, CA – Tear gas and smoke filled the air on Saturday as clashes between immigration authorities and demonstrators intensified for a second day.
President Trump issued a warning on his Truth Social platform, stating that the federal government might intervene to address what he termed a failure by local leaders, saying, “the way it should be solved” would be through federal action against "riots and looters." California Governor Gavin Newsom countered that such federal intervention would escalate tensions, criticizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops as unnecessary and detrimental to public trust.
On-the-ground reports from Paramount revealed Border Patrol personnel in riot gear deploying tear gas as protesters confronted them, jeering and chanting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One demonstrator proclaimed, “ICE out of Paramount,” as signs advocating for immigrant rights dotted the landscape, with sentiments like “No Human Being is Illegal” echoing through the crowd.
The unrest followed ICE operations that began Friday, resulting in 118 arrests, including individuals linked to criminal activities. Demonstrators gathered at various locations to protest these arrests, with chants of “Set them free, let them stay!” resonating outside a federal detention center.
Immigrant rights advocates expressed outrage over detentions occurring not only near work locations but also in public spaces like Home Depot stores. The situation drew attention from political leaders, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling for the release of David Huerta, a labor leader arrested during the protests for allegedly exercising his right to free speech.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned of consequences for those obstructing immigration enforcement, reaffirming that ICE would continue its operations regardless of public dissent. As tensions remain high, Mayor Karen Bass criticized federal actions as attempts to instill fear in the community, promising a continued fight for immigrant rights in the city.
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