Sen. John Fetterman criticized his fellow Democrats for not condemning the violence used by the anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles.

“This is anarchy and true chaos,” the Pennsylvania Democrat posted Monday on X, including a picture of burnt cars. “My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings and assaulting law enforcement.”

“I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstrations and immigration — but this is not that,” Mr. Fetterman posted.

Tensions have risen steadily in Los Angeles, as Monday turned into the fourth day of protests against Immigration and Custom Enforcement. Demonstrators have turned violent, clashing with law enforcement, setting cars on fire and vandalizing buildings. Officers have turned to using tear gas and rubber bullets.

President Trump has deployed 4,000 California National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to the city.

He doubled down Tuesday on his decision.

“If I didn’t ‘send in the troops’ to Los Angeles the last three nights that once beautiful and great city would be burning to the ground right now, much like 25,000 houses burned to the ground in L.A. do to an incompetent Governor and Mayor,” Mr. Trump posted on social media.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats, maintain that the sending of troops has only escalated the situation. A lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration, saying the use of military force was “unlawful” since Mr. Newsom did not request assistance.

The White House praised Mr. Fetterman’s post. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich said the post was a “wake up call for many Democrats: there is no room for you in the party of @GavinNewsom and @KamalaHarris.”

“Their self-obsessed pursuits of power are blind to you and your concerns. They defend chaos, reject biology, and are unbothered by the invasion of our nation,” Mr. Budowich posted on social media.

Sen. Bernard Sanders, Vermont independent, also has spoken out against the violence.

“Dr. King defeated racist government officials & ended segregation through disciplined non-violent resistance. Defeating Trumpism, oligarchy & authoritarianism requires that same level of discipline,” Mr. Sanders posted on social media. “Violent protests are counterproductive and play right into Trump’s playbook.”

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.