Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, alongside nearly 30 legislators, is making a stand against the federal government's immigration raids and military show of force planned by President Trump for this upcoming weekend, as reported in a press conference from the Mayor's office. Bass emphasized that Los Angeles is not a battleground and criticized the Trump administration for instilling fear and chaos in the city, declaring, "What you're seeing and hearing out of this Administration is not representative of our city, of our state, of our country." Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove joined in criticizing Trump, alleging that the raids serve as a smokescreen for his policies and are a distraction from significant issues like Medicaid cuts and economic turbulence.
State Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire vehemently expressed that the deployment of military forces and the treatment of public officials signal authoritarian tendencies, and warned that what's happening in L.A. today could spread to other communities tomorrow, he sees this as an assault not just on the city of Los Angeles but as a broader attack on American democracy, claiming America's liberties are under siege. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, with personal ties to the immigrant community as the child of Mexican farmworkers, made a riveting stand for the ongoing promise of California to embrace all who seek opportunity within its borders, his words harkening back to a promise that belongs to every Californian, no matter their origin or duration of their journey here.
Other Congressional representatives also took the floor, including Congresswoman Judy Chu, who denounced the militarization of community policing and the intimidation tactics being employed, while Congressman Mark Takano shared a message of pride in California's defiance against authoritarian rule and ICE's aggressive policies. They were united in their stance against the harsh methods and in their support for the city of Los Angeles against what they perceived as unconstitutional acts by the president.
At the ground level, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor spoke directly to Trump, demanding a cessation of the breaches of constitutional and due process rights of Los Angeles County's residents. In unity with her peers, Senator María Elena Durazo, Assemblymember Mark González, and Assemblymember José Luis Solache delivered impassioned pleas for the Administration to recognize the human dignity of their constituents, offering their constituents not just words but a promise that they, as elected officials, would stand in solidarity with peaceful protests and the voices of their community showing up for one another and acting as the guardians of their shared values and their home.
Leading up to this firm call to action, Mayor Bass had also gathered support from over 20 Southern California mayors, local officials, and a cohort of labor, business, and community leaders, along with immigrant rights groups who earlier expressed their collective opposition to what they perceive as reckless federal raids on the city's populace. As Los Angeles and its leadership brace for the days ahead, the voices raised at the press conference echo a city's resolve to safeguard its communities and uphold the values upon which it stands.
