In the ongoing effort to effectuate the Trump Administration’s policy of mass deportation, federal immigration raids were launched starting on June 6 by ICE, DHS, the FBI, and DEA across Los Angeles, leading to more than 100 arrests, including 44 on immigration-related charges thus far. The aggressive enforcement actions sparked widespread protests, particularly outside the downtown Federal Building where detainees were taken. LA Police declared multiple unlawful assemblies as tensions escalated but Chief Jim McDonell stated that LAPD would “not assist or participate in mass deportations”. In response, President Trump ordered an initial deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops, before another order of 2,000 to Los Angeles without a request from the California governor.
This marks the first unilateral deployment in 60 years. The last occurred in 1965, when President Johnson used the Insurrection Act to send troops to protect civil rights marchers in Selma during the fight to pass the Voting Rights Act. Critics noted that prior interventions, such as the 1992 Rodney King unrest, diverge as they usually occur after a formal request from state leadership. California Governor Gavin Newsom did not request for the national guard or Marines and has instead announced plans to sue in objection to President Trump’s “purposefully inflammatory” decision. Immigration enforcement has also included arresting prominent figures opposing the administration’s actions.
Last Friday, SEIU California President David Huerta was arrested with a head injury during a federal raid in Los Angeles after allegedly pushing an officer. He now faces a felony charge of conspiracy to impede an officer, scheduled to appear in federal court in California on 6/16. Congresswoman McIver was indicted for her actions when she and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka were monitoring an ICE detention facility in Newark on 6/11.
Labor leaders and civil rights advocates have condemned both cases, calling them politically charged. In newer developments at a press briefing in California by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, California U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was tackled, handcuffed, and arrested by FBI agents when attempting to ask a question, in another instance of abuse.
How Can You Help?
Donate. Donate to organizations such as the Detained Immigrant Bond Fund or National Immigrant Justice Center.
Volunteer for a Hotline. Volunteer for a hotline that offers support for immigrants such as the MigraWatch Hotline, NAKASEC Hotline, or Freedom for Immigrants Hotline.
Teach yourself and your loved ones your rights. Make sure that your community knows what their rights are in the event that they are confronted by ICE.
Share what’s going on. Educate others and combat the spread of disinformation and hate towards immigrants.
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