Kamala Harris Says LA Protest 'Overwhelmingly Peaceful' Calls Trump 'Cruel' [View all]
Source: Newsweek
Published Jun 08, 2025 at 9:13 PM EDT | Updated Jun 08, 2025 at 9:23 PM EDT
Former Vice President Kamala Harris defended the "overwhelmingly peaceful" protesters in her home state of California while criticizing President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops as a "dangerous escalation" and "cruel" on the third consecutive day of violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
The protests, which began last week in response to federal immigration enforcement operations by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have escalated into sustained confrontations involving rock-throwing, alleged Molotov cocktails, burning vehicles, and arrests across multiple Los Angeles locations. Newsweek reached out to a spokesperson for Harris and the White House via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
Trump's administration has pledged to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history and has conducted numerous ICE) raids some of which have swept up individuals with proper documentation. The president announced on Saturday evening that he had authorized the mobilization of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles after reported violence against law enforcement, specifically, ICE agents carrying out deportation raids in the city.
While the raids are following legal directive from federal authorities, protests have erupted amid reports that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE denied these allegations, with a spokesperson previously telling Newsweek the agency "categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles." The clashes highlight deepening conflicts between sanctuary jurisdictions and federal immigration policy, as Trump has implemented sweeping changes through executive orders and utilized the wartime Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand deportation authority.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/kamala-harris-says-la-protest-peaceful-calls-trump-cruel-2082581
Link to tweet
@KamalaHarris
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My statement on what's unfolding in Los Angeles.
A statement from Kamala D. Harris: Los Angeles is my home. And like so many Americans, I am appalled at what we are witnessing on the streets of our city. Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos. In addition to the recent ICE raids in Southern California and across our nation, it is part of the Trump Administration’s cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division. This Administration’s actions are not about public safety —they’re about stoking fear. Fear of a community demanding dignity and due process. Protest is a powerful tool — essential in the fight for justice. And as the LAPD, Mayor, and Governor have noted, demonstrations in defense of our immigrant neighbors have been overwhelmingly peaceful. I continue to support the millions of Americans who are standing up to protect our most fundamental rights and freedoms.
7:31 PM · Jun 8, 2025
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