I live in LA and have been here in the city my entire adult life. Despite the media coverage of specific violent activities that took place the initial protests against the ICE raids making it look like the entire city is in an uproar, I am here to clarify that this was happening in a small 4 block radius of downtown LA. The call for national guard and the marines is utterly ridiculous and strictly performative measures taken by the orange TACO because he wants to intimidate and punish the blue states/cities that do not buy into his incompetence and racism. Is there a marine presence in Texas or Arizona? Where are the ICE raids in Texas or Arizona?
The, LAPD, the CHP and the County Sheriff could easily handle any unrest that occurred during those early protests. But 99% of the people out protesting are peaceful and some just want to know why their friends and relatives have disappeared. Families arrived at the federal building for their designated appointments in the asylum process and were escorted to the basement of the building with little food or water for days before being transported to God knows where. Criminals? Please
None of these ICE agents identify themselves, they just grab people and take them away in unmarked vans. Remind you of another time and place in history?
Have there been outbursts of violent behavior? Yes. Rocks thrown, vandalism, vehicles set afire. Many arrests have been made as well. Is it overwhelming and out of control? No. Does it require the deployment of the military? NO! The riots after the Rodney King trial were city wide (LA is a very large city, folks) and rampant. Random violence everywhere - - this protest taking place in a four block radius of downtown LA does not even compare. Curfews have been set and the wilder protesting during overnight has been controlled. Not because of the military goon squads trump sent, but because the local law enforcement handled it.
Escalating tensions a city who is already PISSED off by these ICE raids is being done intentionally as a show of force and oppression. This is happening in LA right now - what other city will be next?
Right now there is a go-fund-me movement to buy out the small street vendors who sell flowers, fruit and food so they can shelter in place at home rather than be sitting ducks for ICE agents to drag them off. There are not millions of criminals entering the U.S., these are mostly just people, families, escaping the fascist regimes in their own countries (e.g. El Salvador) and looking for a better quality of life. They work hard, earn money and pay for their living spaces, clothing and food just like everybody else. They contribute to the economy and to their communities. And it is a FACT that most people seeking legal residence and asylum in the U.S. keep their court appointments and do what is required of them to be able to live and work here legally and give their children a shot at some kind of education. Isn't this what this country was founded on?
What is happening now is our worst fears coming to fruition.
WHO THE F*** DID NOT VOTE to prevent this?!
