California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the move, calling it “purposefully inflammatory” and warning against engaging in violence.
“Don’t give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully,” Newsom posted on X.
Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the ICE raids, saying, “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. We will not stand for this.”
Political Divides and Insurrection
The unrest has intensified political divisions. While Democratic leaders in California denounce federal overreach, Trump allies are framing the protests as insurrection.
“Insurrectionists carrying foreign flags are attacking immigration enforcement officers,” said Vice President JD Vance.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s immigration adviser, described the protests as a “violent insurrection.”
The Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy the military during civil unrest. Although it has not yet been invoked, the move draws comparisons to the 1992 L.A. riots, when federal troops were last used under this law.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Immigrant advocacy groups are alarmed by the treatment of detainees and lack of transparency.
