California Democrats and Trump administration officials are locked in a battle over a wave of immigration raids targeting Los Angeles this week, as protests over the detentions swelled in the Democratic stronghold amid President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown.
Clashes and Arrests
Federal agents in tactical gear appeared during protests on Friday afternoon against the detention of over 40 individuals in immigration sweeps across Los Angeles earlier in the day, sparking clashes between officers and protesters that turned violent and resulted in police throwing tear gas canisters in the middle of the crowd.
As the situation escalated, the president of the labor union SEIU California, David Huerta, was arrested, sustaining injuries during his detainment that required brief hospitalization, according to a statement from the union. A video of Huerta’s arrest shows officers knocking the labor union president to the ground.
Democratic Response
Following Friday’s clash, a group of Democratic members of Congress from the Los Angeles area said they were barred on Saturday from visiting the federal building where people in immigration detention were reportedly being held.
“The reports of what is happening inside the Roybal Federal Building is a complete violation of our laws and a stain on our values as a country,” Rep. Luz Rivas (D-Calif.) said in a statement. “The Trump Administration blocked my colleagues and me from conducting our congressional oversight duties into the reported abuses and neglect that is taking place at this facility.”
ICE’s Response
ICE acting Director Todd Lyons blasted local law enforcement, claiming it took the Los Angeles Police Department over two hours to respond “despite being called multiple times.”
Other administration officials also snapped back at Newsom and Bass, casting the two Democrats as supporters of violence against federal authorities.
Standing Up Against Injustice
As outcry poured in on Saturday from major liberal organizations — including labor union giant AFL-CIO and the Southern California chapter of the ACLU — condemning the raids and demanding Huerta’s release, ICE doubled down on its position and warned that Friday’s events were by no means the end of their immigration clampdown.
“These violent rioters will be held accountable if they harm federal officers, and make no mistake, ICE will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and arrest criminal illegal aliens. Sanctuary politicians would do well to remember that impeding our efforts only endangers their communities, law enforcement officers, and the detainees they claim to support,” the ICE statement read.
