In the aftermath of a weekend filled with conflict between law enforcement and protesters in Los Angeles, along with the reported deployment of 700 marines to assist already active National Guard units on Monday, thousands again brought their grievances to the streets. This escalation of events highlights a growing tension between federal and state leaders on the public safety governance of America’s second largest city.
The crux of the demonstrations on Monday were primarily located around a federal building complex on Aliso, Los Angeles, and Alameda streets. By afternoon, the protests had remained peaceful, a stark contrast to the havoc unleashed in downtown Los Angeles Sunday night that led to at least 40 individuals being arrested.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) held firm that it is capable of professionally and effectively handling large-scale public protests, citing its decades-long experience as credible evidence. However, any observer might question this claim considering the escalating tensions and resort to military assets.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the move, deeming it un-American and strongly stating that marines should not be deployed on American soil against their own citizens. The Governor’s actions seemingly undermine the severity of rising tensions and keep him at odds with maintaining public order and safety.
Mayor Karen Bass was quick to inform the public that no reports of violence or vandalism were issued at the moment of her briefing. Rather than addressing the problem at its root, she chose to condemn vandalism while emphasizing that any criminal activity connected to the protests would be held accountable.
In addition, Bass urged federal officials to stop immigration raids, blaming White House for instigating unrest. This position appears to deflect responsibility for the situation at hand, while perhaps offering little in the way of addressing the necessary immigration reforms.
Protests had already persisted for three consecutive nights, triggered by a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and exacerbated by the nationalization and mobilization of California’s National Guard troops. It seems to highlight a lack of control by local authorities and the failure of the Biden Administration to handle public order.
The additional enlistment of hundreds of officers from various departments in Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties seems indicative of the increasing gravity of the situation. Again, it brings into question the effectiveness of state and local leadership handling such crises.
While Governor Newsom’s critique of the marine’s deployment rings with patriotic sentiment, one might find his stance somewhat ignorant of the escalating situation. Demonstrations without order pose just as much a threat to American principles of liberty and freedom, as does the introduction of federal resources for maintaining peace.
Perhaps what’s more disconcerting is Mayor Bass’ portrayal of White House stirring the unrest, while disregarding the critical issue of law and order that her city is grappling with. Adopting such a stance could be viewed as polarizing and unhelpful for fostering unity during such heated times.
The controversial ICE raids, at the heart of these prolonged protests, illustrate the ongoing struggle to address immigration policy reform. Yet, rather than working towards a solution, the Biden Administration’s actions have seemingly enhanced the friction within local communities.
Exacerbating the spotlight is the use of military force on domestic grounds, a manifestation of the failures in governing efficiently. Furthermore, it’s disconcerting that such measures had to be taken to guarantee public safety in one of the most progressive states of America.
As the protest enters its fourth night, it very much remains gloomy as to when the situation will de-escalate. This lingering uncertainty is emblematic of the Biden-Harris administration, whose policies, to date, have consistently contributed to societal tension instead of calming the storm.