Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles were “political retribution” against residents of the predominantly Democratic city.
“Angelenos are trying to live their lives—going to work, caring for their families—while facing the constant threat of sudden immigration crackdowns,” Bass said in a post on the social platform X.
“This fear paralyzes communities. We saw it before: kids too scared to go to school, families torn apart without warning. Let’s not pretend this is about public safety. It’s political retribution—plain and simple,” she added.
President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan said Los Angeles protests were making ICE raids more “difficult” and “dangerous” on Tuesday.
“It’s like we’re a third world nation where people think it’s okay to threaten the life and safety of federal law enforcement officers and their families,” Homan said during an appearance on NBC Nightly News.
Some protesters have lit cars on fire, thrown rocks and other objects at police, and defaced federal buildings with graffiti during five days of demonstrations. Democrats say these isolated acts of violence do not justify Trump’s heavy-handed federal response.
Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have mobilized thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines, which they say is necessary to protect federal immigration officials carrying out their duties in the city.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has traded public criticism with Trump and Hegseth. The governor, who is seen as a likely 2028 presidential contender, delivered a televised address Tuesday night warning Trump’s over-reach would extend beyond California.
“This is about all of us. This is about you. California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next. Democracy is next. Democracy is under assault before our eyes. This moment we have feared has arrived,” Newsom said.
Protests against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown have spread to other major cities this week.
Organizers with the “No Kings” movement are planning some 1,500 demonstrations across the country on Saturday, protesting various Trump policies and timed with the military parade in D.C. on Saturday.
The Hill has reached out to ICE for comment.