Jayapal Statement on Trump Abuse of Power in Los Angeles
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Security, Integrity, and Enforcement, released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s escalations of violence and abuse of power in Los Angeles, California.
“On Friday and Saturday, the Trump Administration conducted a series of increasingly militarized immigration actions, utilizing law enforcement from numerous agencies and calling out the National Guard without a request or support from the Governor. They arrested David Huerta, the President of SEIU California, who was peacefully protesting the raids, as well as rounding up over 120 immigrants at least, according to initial reports. ICE also denied entry to Members of Congress — who have the legal authority and responsibility to conduct unannounced oversight visits — at both the LA detention center, where people were being held, as well as the Adelanto Detention Center, where detained people were reportedly transferred.
“The people of Los Angeles were non-violently protesting the injustices they have seen with Trump’s mass deportation agenda, the Administration’s sweeping up people of various legal statuses, and denying access to counsel to those detained. These peaceful protestors were exercising their constitutional rights to use their voices to speak out against this injustice and were met instead with tear gas and rubber bullets from an Administration that refuses to allow free speech or dissent in this country.
“Trump is weaponizing the military against U.S. citizens and immigrants alike with no regard for the rule of law in this country — even threatening force on nonviolent protesters. This isn’t just an attack on immigrants, it is an attack on our foundational freedoms. Detained people must be provided with access to counsel, and the militarized raids by the federal government must stop immediately.
“I urge every person using their right to protest to continue to do so peacefully, even as the Trump Administration escalates violence.”