Since June 7, President Trump ordered the deployment of thousands of federal troops to Los Angeles, ostensibly to protect federal functions and personnel. Despite the substantial presence of over 5,000 National Guard soldiers and Marines, their activities have been limited, including a single temporary detainment, and primarily involved guarding federal buildings. Local officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized the deployment as an unnecessary militarization, particularly given the relatively peaceful nature of the protests. This deployment has raised concerns about the misuse of federal funds, potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, and the blurring of lines between military and civilian law enforcement, as well as sparking apprehension among some of the troops involved.
Read More
US military to remove 2,000 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, a move that sparks a mix of reactions, from relief to cynicism. The initial deployment, a matter of contention from the start, is now winding down, leaving many to question the purpose and effectiveness of the whole operation. Was it a genuine attempt to quell unrest, or was there another agenda at play?
The fact that these troops, primarily engaged in what appeared to be passive observation, are returning home is not surprising to many. Some commentators highlight the lack of clear objectives and the perception that the troops were essentially “standing around” while seemingly doing nothing productive.… Continue reading
A Los Angeles federal judge has issued temporary restraining orders against U.S. immigration enforcement, prohibiting agents from detaining individuals based on race, ethnicity, or language. The ruling stems from a lawsuit alleging unlawful “roving patrols” and detentions without reasonable suspicion, requiring detainees to have access to legal counsel. The judge’s decision asserts that government actions have lacked adequate legal basis and appear to be targeting specific communities. The ruling is considered historic by some, while the government has expressed disagreement with the decision.
Read More
A federal judge has issued a temporary order to halt immigration raids in Los Angeles and several other California counties, siding with the ACLU in a civil rights lawsuit. The ruling prohibits agents from making detentive stops based on factors like race, ethnicity, language spoken, or location, emphasizing the need for reasonable suspicion. The judge’s order also mandates access to legal counsel for detainees, addressing claims of constitutional violations by the Trump administration. While the Trump administration denies the claims, the ruling temporarily restrains specific practices and impacts the counties involved in the lawsuit.
Read More
On Monday, federal agents in tactical gear and military-style uniforms conducted an enforcement operation at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, drawing criticism from local officials. Mayor Karen Bass described the scene as a city under siege and condemned the action, which occurred near a summer day camp. Border Patrol officials stated they intended to continue these operations despite community opposition. This show of force, involving armored vehicles and military-grade weapons, was denounced by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Alex Padilla, who criticized the prioritization of intimidation over emergency aid.
Read More
The U.S. Department of Justice sued the city of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass, and City Council members, claiming the city’s sanctuary city law is illegal and hindering federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit, filed by the Trump administration, argues that L.A.’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities has resulted in “lawlessness,” with the federal government even deploying the National Guard. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi asserts the city’s policies are the cause of recent violence, while Mayor Bass counters that federal agents are the ones creating chaos. The city’s ordinance, which restricts city employees from aiding in immigration enforcement, is seen by the federal government as intentionally discriminating against federal authorities, leading to the legal challenge.
Read More
A U.S. citizen was detained by federal agents in downtown Los Angeles while on her way to work, prompting outrage from her family who witnessed the arrest. The family reported the agents didn’t identify themselves and that the arrest seemed racially motivated. Authorities claim the arrest occurred after Velez assaulted an ICE enforcement officer and interfered with the arrest of an undocumented individual. Family members remain concerned about Velez’s whereabouts and the length of time it may take for her to be released.
Read More
Following reports of numerous DHS vehicles near Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were denied access to the stadium parking lot. While DHS claims the presence was brief and unrelated to any operation, the incident occurred amidst heightened tensions regarding increased immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. Protests ensued, with demonstrators confronting ICE agents outside the stadium. The Dodgers’ actions follow recent criticism for not publicly supporting the city’s immigrant community.
Read More
If you’re not standing with LA right now, you’re the problem. This isn’t just about a city facing challenges; it’s about a potential precedent being set, a creeping disregard for democratic norms that threatens us all. The gravity of the situation demands a response far beyond passive observation.
If you’re unconcerned about the deployment of the military within US cities, you’re missing the point. This isn’t simply a local issue; it’s a test, a trial run of power, starting with a visible target before potentially spreading across the country. The silence from many is deafening, a silent consent to the erosion of fundamental freedoms.… Continue reading
During a Los Angeles press conference on immigration enforcement, Senator Alex Padilla interrupted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, leading to his forceful removal and handcuffing by Secret Service agents. The DHS stated agents mistook Padilla for an attacker due to his actions and lack of identification. Padilla, who was meeting with a general at the Federal Building, was later released and met with Noem. Tensions remain high in Los Angeles following recent ICE raids and protests.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood