Maxine Waters Faces Backlash from Feds Over Alleged Taunting of Guardsmen and False Riots Claims During Jail Attempt

A senior Homeland Security official issued a stinging rebuke of Congresswoman Maxine Waters after she attempted to gain entry into a Los Angeles detention facility and made increasingly confrontational comments during ongoing unrest in the city. The 86-year-old lawmaker, now serving her 18th term, was seen approaching a group of National Guardsmen at an entrance to the secure building, identifying herself as “Congresswoman Waters.” However, she was told to address her request with public affairs officials and was ultimately denied entry when a guard closed the door.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin explained that access to the facility had been "temporarily restricted" for safety reasons amid escalating tensions. She criticized Waters' actions over the weekend, suggesting the congresswoman’s confrontational approach did little to defuse the situation, and accused her of spreading misinformation regarding the violence. "Instead of taunting national guard members, the congresswoman should be trying to defuse these violent riots," McLaughlin said, adding, "Elected officials need to tone down their dangerous rhetoric about ICE law enforcement."

Waters' interactions with law enforcement quickly went viral, particularly footage showing her questioning whether armed guards intended to use force against her. The tension escalated further when federal officials accused her of downplaying the severity of the riots, which have resulted in assaults on officers, destruction of property, and arson. McLaughlin responded directly to Waters' televised remarks, stating, "This morning on CNN, the congresswoman spewed lies that these riots have not been violent. The American people can see with their own eyes the truth."

As demonstrations and law enforcement activity continued, President Donald Trump moved to federalize the California National Guard—a decision Waters criticized for lack of coordination with Governor Gavin Newsom. Waters, meanwhile, maintained that protests near the detention center were “very small and very peaceful” and insisted she wore an official emblem to avoid confusion about her intent. She expressed disappointment that guardsmen still denied her access, emphasizing her concern for David Huerta, a union leader detained during recent immigration raids.

Addressing the press and supporters, Waters accused the administration of using armed security to escalate tensions and condemned what she described as President Trump’s politicization of the crisis. "His ridiculousness has taken over the armed services to celebrate his birthday coming up," she said, linking the deployment to military celebrations planned to coincide with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and the president’s birthday.

In a public statement following her failed attempt to enter the detention facility, Waters reiterated her commitment to advocating for those affected by immigration enforcement operations. She also referenced viral footage in which she directly confronted armed agents, urging them not to use force against protesters exercising their constitutional rights. "All people deserve to be treated with dignity and due process under the law: Peaceful, nonviolent demonstrations are critical to protecting our constitutional rights," Waters stated.

Despite repeated requests for comment, Waters’ office did not immediately respond. As the situation remains tense in Los Angeles, debate continues over the proper role of elected officials during periods of civil unrest—and the balance between protest, public safety, and political rhetoric.