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California Democratic Representative Norma Torres is facing backlash from conservative commentators following a social media post in which she criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles.
In a TikTok video posted Friday, Torres wrote, “ICE get the f— out of LA so that order can be restored,” amid growing protests against federal immigration enforcement in the city. The protests followed ICE raids targeting undocumented individuals, which prompted confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Several conservative figures reacted strongly on social media. Prominent accounts such as Libs of TikTok, Benny Johnson, and Paul Szypula accused Torres of escalating tensions and called for disciplinary action. Some, including Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers, went as far as demanding her expulsion from Congress. Others, including former Trump communications staffer Steven Cheung, used more inflammatory language to criticize her.
Torres, who immigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala and became a naturalized citizen in the 1990s, has been an outspoken critic of immigration enforcement tactics she deems excessive or harmful to immigrant communities. As of now, she has not issued a follow-up statement addressing the controversy.
National Guard Deployed to Los Angeles
The uproar over Torres’s remarks comes as President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests against ICE. The move follows reported instances of vandalism, assaults on ICE personnel, and damage to property during the demonstrations.
In comments made to the press before boarding Air Force One, Trump criticized protestors who allegedly spat on police and suggested he is considering invoking the Insurrection Act to further restore order if necessary. “There will be consequences,” he said.
According to federal officials, the protests targeted ICE facilities and operations, particularly in response to recent workplace enforcement actions. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that law enforcement is investigating reported assaults on federal officers.
Harris and Others React to Federal Response
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who hails from California, also weighed in. In a statement released over the weekend, she condemned the deployment of the National Guard and characterized it as a “dangerous escalation” by the Trump administration.
“Los Angeles is my home,” Harris stated. “The deployment of the National Guard represents a perilous escalation intended to incite chaos… These actions are not focused on public safety — they are aimed at instilling fear.”
She acknowledged the protests were largely peaceful but did not address specific reports of violence or damage. Federal and local officials, however, have documented multiple incidents involving vandalism and confrontations with federal officers.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that 500 U.S. Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton remain on standby in case additional support is needed.
