Introduction to Vice President Vance’s Visit
Vice President J.D. Vance on Friday will visit Los Angeles, the epicenter of the White House’s immigration enforcement actions, to meet with federal law enforcement, his office announced.
Purpose of the Visit
In a statement, the White House said Vance will tour a multi-agency federal joint operations center and a federal mobile command center. He also will meet with leadership and Marines, who were activated by the Trump administration in response to immigration protests in the area, and deliver brief remarks.
Visit Details
Details about when the vice president will arrive in Southern California were not immediately available.
Background on Immigration Protests
The visit comes a day after a three-judge panel issued a decision that, for now, allowed President Trump to keep control of National Guard troops he deployed to Los Angeles following protests over immigration raids. The decision halts a lower court judge’s order that found the administration acted illegally when it activated the National Guard over opposition from Gov. Newsom.
Court Decision
The governor typically activates the National Guard at the request of local authorities, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel, comprised of two Trump appointees and one Biden appointee, unanimously concluded it was likely Trump lawfully exercised his authority in federalizing command of the Guard.
Rationale for Deployment
The panel said president don’t have unfettered power to command a state National Guard, but agreed the administration presented enough evidence to defend its rationale for doing so, citing violent acts by protesters.
Protests and Arrests
The troops were activated after a protest in the southern LA County community of Paramount turned violent June 7. Guard members arrived the next morning and have primarily been stationed outside federal property, like the federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles, with local law enforcement responding to unrest in the area that led to hundreds of arrests.
Curfew and Arrests
A limited weeklong curfew declared for part of downtown Los Angeles was lifted earlier this week after arrests declined. The protests over immigration raids have largely been peaceful with most arrests for unlawful assembly and curfew violations. There also were arrests for assaults on police officers, vandalism and looting.
Immigration Enforcement Operations
The immigration enforcement operations are part of President Trump’s mass deportation plan, a central focus of his campaign.
Conclusion
Vice President Vance’s visit to Los Angeles highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement actions in the city. The visit also underscores the administration’s commitment to its mass deportation plan, despite opposition from local authorities and protesters.
FAQs
Q: Why is Vice President Vance visiting Los Angeles?
A: Vice President Vance is visiting Los Angeles to meet with federal law enforcement and tour a multi-agency federal joint operations center and a federal mobile command center.
Q: What is the background on the immigration protests in Los Angeles?
A: The protests in Los Angeles are in response to immigration raids and the deployment of National Guard troops by the Trump administration.
Q: What was the court decision regarding the deployment of National Guard troops?
A: A three-judge panel allowed President Trump to keep control of National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles, halting a lower court judge’s order that found the administration acted illegally.
