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Several top officials from the Trump administration fired back on Friday at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who criticized federal immigration enforcement actions taking place across the city. Her comments came amid ongoing protests that turned violent, with LAPD using flash bangs to disperse demonstrators attempting to block federal agents during arrests.
Mayor Bass, in a statement posted to social media, expressed outrage over the federal operations:
“This morning, we received reports of federal immigration enforcement actions in multiple locations in Los Angeles. As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants… I am deeply angered by what has taken place.”
She claimed that such tactics sow fear and “undermine fundamental safety principles,” pledging to work closely with immigrant rights groups and vowing, “We will not tolerate this.”
The response from Trump officials was swift and blunt.
“You have no authority in this matter whatsoever,” said Stephen Miller, former Deputy White House Chief of Staff, via X. “Federal law is paramount and will be enforced.”
Tom Homan, former acting director of ICE and the Trump administration’s current border czar, told Fox News that agents are “stepping up” efforts and would not apologize for doing their jobs. “This is about enforcing the law,” he said.
White House adviser Sebastian Gorka took it a step further, referencing a recent violent incident involving a non-citizen suspect in Colorado.
“They are illegal immigrants, not ‘immigrants,’” Gorka wrote on X. “If you are aiding and abetting them, you are a criminal as well.”
Justice Department official Harmeet K. Dhillon and U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli echoed that sentiment. Essayli confirmed that David Huerta, president of California’s SEIU branch, was arrested after obstructing federal agents during an immigration raid.
“Let me be clear: I do not care who you are — if you obstruct federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” Essayli stated.
Meanwhile, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin condemned the lack of local enforcement amid rising tensions.
“Eight hundred protestors have surrounded and breached the initial layer of a federal law enforcement building,” she reported. “@LAPD has not responded.”
Trump envoy Richard Grenell also blamed Bass directly for the chaos.
“Karen Bass incited all of this. She attacked the rule of law. She undermined democracy,” he posted.
The confrontation between federal authorities and Los Angeles leadership underscores the growing tension over immigration enforcement and the role of local officials in federal operations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJPQo1UDQu0
