LA Mayor Karen Bass Criticizes National Guard Deployment Amidst ICE Raid Protests

National Guard Deployment

• ⚠️ Mayor Karen Bass expressed disappointment with President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles, calling it unnecessary.
• 🎯 She stated that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was capable of managing the protests and vandalism without federal intervention.
• 📍 Bass specifically noted the deployment of 100 troops to Westwood, where nothing occurred, as an example of overreach.

Federal Response and Communication

• 🗣️ Mayor Bass has spoken with the Governor and federal officials, expressing her doubt about the need for the National Guard in the city.
• 🤝 She conveyed that while Los Angeles has issues, they are not out of control to the extent that federal troops are required.
• ❓ When asked about the response from administration officials to her concerns, Bass indicated that the conversations happened before the Guard's deployment.

Immigrant Detainee Situation

• 🔍 Bass confirmed she has not been briefed on the conditions or exact whereabouts of detained immigrants, but understands they are no longer in downtown Los Angeles.
• ⚖️ She is pushing the administration to allow legal counsel access to speak with the detained individuals, a practice she states has occurred in the past.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 She conveyed a message of support to families concerned about their relatives, assuring them that efforts are being made at the federal level.

Protests and Violence

• ✊ Bass affirmed the right to protest and exercise First Amendment rights.
• 🚫 However, she strongly condemned any level of violence or vandalism, stating it is unacceptable and counterproductive.
• 🚨 She warned that such actions could lead to further federal intervention, like the deployment of the National Guard.

LAPD Response and Clarity

• ❓ Mayor Bass is seeking clarity on the LAPD's response times and actions during the protests.
• 📅 She anticipates a briefing on the matter, noting there is considerable videotape and data to review.
• ⏳ Her understanding is that it took approximately two hours for the LAPD to respond to certain incidents.