LA Protests: National Guard, ICE Raids, and Personal Experience

Escalating Tensions in Los Angeles

• 💡 The podcast records on June 10th, discussing the deployment of 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles.
• 📌 Host David Farrier recounts getting a lungful of tear gas at a protest three days prior, highlighting the immediate impact of the deployment.
• 🚨 The situation stems from ongoing ICE raids in LA, targeting individuals at places like Home Depot and even a kindergarten graduation, often without due process.

Understanding the National Guard's Role

• 🧠 A former National Guard member explains that the Guard is part of the Army, training for local state-side missions like natural disasters and crowd/riot control.
• ✅ Many join for benefits like college tuition, and members are often just following orders, risking dishonorable discharge if they refuse.
• ⚠️ The former member notes that "riot control" is often a misnomer, as situations are not always riots, and tear gas training is a significant part of basic training.

Authoritarian Presence and Community Resistance

• 🔥 The deployment is described as a "scary show of force" that was not needed, with protests escalating after the National Guard arrived, not before.
• ❌ Trump's claim of LA being a "war zone" is refuted; the chaos is attributed to the authoritarian presence inflicted on the city, not its residents.
• 🗣️ Protesters, including David, expressed anger at police and National Guard for shooting rubber bullets and tear gas at their own people, questioning their oath.

Political Context and Broader Implications

• ⚖️ The state of California is suing the Trump administration, arguing the deployment is illegal, especially given LA's status as a sanctuary city.
• 🔍 Concerns are raised about Trump's actions setting the stage for a "police state," as articulated by former US labor secretary Robert Reich.
• 📈 The situation is compared to the January 6th events, noting the hypocrisy in how different protests are handled and the slow response of the National Guard then.

LA's Resilience and Shared Purpose

• 💖 Despite the fear, the hosts emphasize the incredible solidarity of Angelinos, who are coming together to protect their friends, neighbors, and community.
• 💪 The protests are driven by a "place of protection, a place of love," with diverse groups uniting against the perceived tyranny.
• 🚀 The hosts express hope that LA's example will inspire other cities to stand up against similar actions, reaffirming the right to protest.