Numerous local demonstrators in Los Angeles gathered on Monday to condemn the federal immigration arrests, calling for an end to the crackdown on their community that they say is tearing families apart.
On June 8, clashes broke out between protesters and National Guard troops deployed outside federal law enforcement buildings in downtown Los Angeles, California. Police fired non-lethal rounds and the area was engulfed in tear gas.
The clashes followed a series of raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement agencies at multiple locations in southern California, starting on June 6, which sparked widespread protests.
Protesters said that the repression has been unwarranted, insisting that any small amount of chaos brought on by the demonstration pales in comparison to the havoc wrought on families facing the threat of deportation.
"Well, we're here because immigration is ripping families apart, and we're not okay with that. They're attacking our communities; they're attacking hardworking people that are here to make a better life for themselves and their families. Because they're working against us instead of protecting us. The cops should be here to protect and serve their community. We are their community, but they're not protecting us. They're working with ICE. So they're not protecting us. People want to talk about violence? 'Oh, you're throwing a water bottle!' What about people being ripped away from their families? What about the kids that are gonna go home and not have their parents when they get home?" said a protester.
Others harshly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to dispatch the National Guard to the city -- a move that has resulted in a lawsuit from the State of California.
"They brought the National Guard to LA. They're about to sweep us up. They're going to enclose us right now. We're protesting because they're stealing our people out here in LA. They're kidnapping us. They're not giving us rights. They're treating us like we're animals out here, shooting at us. We have not agitated them. We are using our voice. We are practicing our First Amendment right, and they're afraid of us," said a protester.
"We're just trying to peacefully protest the deportations of people of Los Angeles, people who are living here, doing their job, paying taxes every day, living with their families. And they're being sent off and detained and kidnapped off the streets for apparently no reason. Donald Trump has overstepped his boundaries. He sent in the National Guard, which has been inflammatory. This was very peaceful - this has been very peaceful. I would like them to leave LA. I would like any federal agents to be leaving LA. Let us police ourselves. Let our cops do their job and make sure that no one's getting hurt. People have the right to protest. It's in the constitution. And now we're being pushed into places and being shot at, and it's unacceptable," a demonstrator said.
LA protesters condemn federal immigration arrests, call for end to crackdown on their community
