Harris Faces Backlash Over "Appalling" LA ICE Raids Statement Blaming Trump: "The Country Dodged a Bullet"
Social media erupts with mockery over Kamala Harris's official response to Los Angeles riots sparked by ICE raids.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris faced intense criticism from conservative figures and social media users after issuing a statement about the ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, which she described as “overwhelmingly peaceful.” The protests erupted in response to federal immigration enforcement actions that saw ICE agents arresting undocumented individuals across the city, prompting the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops to restore order.
Addressing the events on social media, Harris stated, “Los Angeles is my home. And like so many Americans, I am appalled at what we are witnessing on the streets of our city. Deploying the National Guard is a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos. In addition to the recent ICE raids in Southern California and across our nation, it is part of the Trump Administration's cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.” The former vice president accused the Trump administration of using public safety as a pretext for “stoking fear,” emphasizing that the bulk of the demonstrations had been peaceful, according to statements from local officials.
Her remarks drew swift rebuke from conservative commentators and Trump administration allies. Online, critics mobilized to point out scenes of violence and destruction, circulating images of rioters burning American flags, torching vehicles, and clashing with law enforcement officers. GOP Sen. Tom Cotton called Harris “the most incompetent Vice President in history” and accused her of siding with those involved in violent acts. Republican gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco argued, “He [Trump]’s not out there lighting cars on fire, hurling projectiles at law enforcement or blocking freeways. This statement is an embarrassment and does nothing to diffuse the violent riots taking place across the city.”
White House officials also weighed in, with principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields referencing Trump’s electoral successes and deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson stating, “We all know you support lawless, violent, illegal alien rioters. That’s why you lost so badly in November.” Fox News contributors and other conservatives echoed these sentiments, characterizing Harris as out of step with mainstream American views on law and order.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles continues to reel from several days of unrest, with protesters decrying the federal government’s aggressive immigration enforcement in the self-designated sanctuary city. Mayor Karen Bass reaffirmed her support for undocumented immigrants and rejected the Trump administration’s approach, while Governor Gavin Newsom labeled the ICE raids as “chaotic and reckless,” contending that the sweeps fractured trust between communities and authorities.
Throughout the unrest, ICE and federal law enforcement officers encountered significant hostility. Incidents included rocks and other projectiles being thrown at officers, attacks on federal property, and the appearance of incendiary graffiti aimed at immigration agents. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks circulated a photo of an agent’s bloodied hand, citing the severe risks officers faced during the riots. Several officers have reportedly been injured during these confrontations.
Federal authorities maintained that the immigration operations targeted only those with serious criminal backgrounds, including individuals convicted of murder, sexual offenses, and other violent crimes. According to ICE, approximately 45 arrests were made across multiple locations in Los Angeles, including commercial districts and a doughnut shop. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin questioned local leaders’ opposition to the raids, asking, “Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens?” She further asserted, “Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer.”
As tensions remain high, the debate over immigration enforcement and public safety continues to play out in the streets of Los Angeles and on the national stage, with both sides accusing each other of endangering the community and undermining fundamental rights. The situation remains fluid as city officials and federal agencies navigate their conflicting priorities amid mounting public pressure.
