Introduction to the Issue
California lawmakers have come together to demand an end to the recent ICE raids and troop deployment in the area. Mayor Karen Bass and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove were joined by more than 20 members of the Los Angeles County Congressional delegation and state lawmakers on Friday afternoon, June 13, to condemn the actions taken by federal officials.
The Reason Behind the Demands
Lawmakers condemned other actions taken by federal officials, such as forcibly removing Sen. Alex Padilla from a Homeland Security press conference on Thursday, and asked L.A. County residents to remain peaceful when attending planned protests over the weekend. Elected officials gathered to demonstrate a united front after multiple cities across the area have experienced amped-up immigration raids that began last Friday, Bass said.
The Impact of the Raids
“I always raise the point that the day before, on Thursday of last week, everything was peaceful in Los Angeles,” Bass said. “Nothing was happening here. Nothing was going on that warranted the behavior of the federal government over the last few days. We are here today because the raids have caused fear and panic.” She said that nothing is going to be solved by chasing people at car washes, by intimidating families in their schools, or by sending the National Guard and Marines into an American city. Los Angeles is diverse and embraces its immigrant population, an important sector of the local and national economy, she added.
Economic Impact
“California has the largest immigrant population in this country. We are also the fourth-largest economy in the world,” Kamlager-Dove said. “There is a relationship between those two data points.” “Not only is this impacting our communities and our neighbors, it is impacting our businesses and it is impacting this economy,” Kamlager-Dove said. “Taxpayers are putting $134 million for these raids to happen because Stephen Miller (U.S. Deputy Chief of Staff) made an arbitrary number of 3,000 people that he wants rounded up every single day.” “Stop this madness,” said Kamlager-Dove, D-Los Angeles, said. “Stop this economic trauma.”
Press Conference
Other speakers during the press conference at City Hall were State Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Mark Takano, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, Rep. Norma Torres, and Assemblymember Jose Solache. The elected officials all shared similar remarks, as well as demanding that the federal administration be accountable.
Accountability and Reimbursement
“As a member of the Appropriations Committee,” Torres said, “I am demanding full accountability and reimbursement for the local cost incurred, including injuries to local officers and damages caused by the chaos unleashed when the Trump administration recklessly, recklessly deployed the military and ICE agents into our communities.” Torres added: “They are the ones who created this unrest and they are the ones who need to foot the bill.”
Upcoming Protests
With major protests planned for Saturday morning here and across the country, state and city leaders urged demonstrators to remain peaceful. The mayor said her downtown curfew will remain in place until troops are out of L.A., Bass said. While Trump hosts a military parade to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army in Washington on Saturday, which coincides with his 79th birthday, hundreds of protests are planned nationwide. Organizers say they are denouncing what they perceive as authoritarian actions by the Trump administration.
Preparations for the Demonstrations
Bass said she is working with the State Office of Emergency Services to prepare for the demonstrations. “As people go and demonstrate our constitutional right to express ourselves tomorrow morning, we elected officials encourage everyone to do it peacefully,” Assemblymember Solache said. “Do it with a lot of heart and advocate for our immigrant community, and to those that do it violently and wrongly, we do not stand with you.” Solache added: “Let’s show the president, this nation, and this world that we Angelenos are strong and that we will demonstrate peacefully.”
Related Articles
- East LA man charged for allegedly distributing face masks at immigration protest
- Sen. Alex Padilla’s political journey began in Pacoima, now ICE raids hit home
- Effort seeks to block Bill Essayli’s U.S. attorney confirmation
- Galaxy try to focus amid immigration raids and protests
- Marines will take over protection of Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles
Conclusion
The recent ICE raids and troop deployment in California have sparked widespread condemnation from lawmakers and residents alike. The economic impact of these actions is significant, and the federal administration must be held accountable for the costs incurred. As protests continue to take place across the country, it is essential that demonstrators remain peaceful and advocate for the rights of the immigrant community.
FAQs
- What sparked the demands from California lawmakers?
The recent ICE raids and troop deployment in the area sparked the demands from California lawmakers. - What is the economic impact of the ICE raids?
The economic impact of the ICE raids is significant, with taxpayers putting $134 million for these raids to happen. - What are the lawmakers demanding from the federal administration?
The lawmakers are demanding full accountability and reimbursement for the local cost incurred, including injuries to local officers and damages caused by the chaos unleashed when the Trump administration deployed the military and ICE agents into their communities. - What is the message from the lawmakers to the protesters?
The lawmakers are urging demonstrators to remain peaceful and advocate for the rights of the immigrant community. - What is the expected outcome of the protests?
The expected outcome of the protests is to denounce the perceived authoritarian actions by the Trump administration and to show that the people of Los Angeles are strong and will demonstrate peacefully.
