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During a heated exchange on CNN’s State of the Union this past Sunday, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) directly challenged anchor Dana Bash’s characterization of the violence erupting in Los Angeles. The clash came as tensions escalate following recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the city, which sparked widespread protests and unrest.
Since Friday, Los Angeles has seen large crowds take to the streets in response to federal immigration enforcement in downtown areas. While some demonstrators have remained peaceful, others have clashed with law enforcement, hurled projectiles at officers, vandalized property, and set fires. On Saturday night, the situation escalated, prompting President Donald Trump to activate the National Guard in an attempt to restore order.
Bash appeared to downplay the scope of the violence, suggesting that the events might not qualify as a “real riot.” That remark triggered an immediate response from Sen. Mullin, who insisted the unrest was not just a protest gone too far but a clear instance of violent rioting.
“They were literally out there protesting, carrying a foreign flag,” Mullin said, referencing footage showing demonstrators waving Mexican flags while engaging in aggressive behavior. “That is absolutely insane. I mean, they’re not just peaceful protesters. These are illegals. These are exactly why the president is trying to secure our border.”
Mullin defended the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts and criticized those who he said were attempting to reframe violent incidents as benign expressions of dissent. “You can’t call this anything but a riot when you have people setting fires and attacking police,” he added.
The debate between Mullin and Bash reflects a broader political divide over how to interpret and respond to civil unrest, particularly when it intersects with immigration policy. While some on the left view the demonstrations as a necessary form of resistance to what they see as unjust federal actions, conservatives argue that the violence undermines the legitimacy of any grievances and poses a threat to public safety.
The incident on State of the Union is likely to further ignite partisan debate over the situation in Los Angeles, as well as the Biden administration’s stance on border security and enforcement — although President Trump, now in his second term, has continued to push forward with his signature hardline immigration agenda.
With the National Guard now deployed and tensions still high, it remains unclear how long the unrest will last — or what political fallout it might trigger in the weeks ahead.
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