In light of the ongoing ICE raids in Los Angeles, messages of community exhaustion and political grievance echo across the nation, particularly from Black and brown people. Some media organizations describe the city as lawless and violent. I believe the city is tired.
The protests against the raids began on Friday, June 6, in response to multiple U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across L.A., where I live. Specifically, ICE agents reportedly targeted day laborers within the city’s Fashion District, arresting over 40 immigrants at places like Home Depot and Ambiance Apparel.
The next day, Trump deployed 2,000 members of the National Guard to L.A. in an attempt to “liberate” the city despite opposition from Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass.
Following what many believe was an unprecedented and unnecessary military response, Angelenos further clashed with troops, resulting in the utilization of tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades against civilians and even journalists covering the protests. On Tuesday, June 10, Trump, yet again, mobilized 700 Marines to L.A. to fan the fire of social upheaval.
Tension leading up to the protests has risen due to reported incidents of ICE visiting “sensitive locations,” following Trump’s reversal of a Biden-era policy that prohibited agents from entering into schools, places of worship and health care facilities in January.
