LOS ANGELES, CA — A weekend of unrest and violence rocked the streets of Los Angeles as protestors targeted federal immigration authorities in a series of confrontations that left property destroyed and law enforcement injured. But despite the turmoil, Senator Cory Booker, D-N.J., described the events as “peaceful protests,” pointing blame at President Donald Trump for the nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration.
Booker: Blame Trump, Not the Rioters
Appearing Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, Booker criticized President Trump’s immigration policy, claiming the administration was “sowing chaos and confusion” by arresting individuals at immigration hearings.
“What we’re witnessing in Los Angeles are peaceful demonstrations,” Senator Booker stated. “Much of this activity is a direct response to the fear and uncertainty being fueled by the president’s actions.”
Violence on the Ground Tells a Different Story
The reality on the ground painted a far more violent picture.
- Federal officers deployed flash grenades and tear gas to disperse aggressive rioters.
- A car was set ablaze in Compton, while motorcyclists circled the flames waving a foreign flag.
- A Border Patrol truck was attacked, its windshield smashed by rocks, injuring agents.
- DHS reported graffiti threats scrawled across buildings, including calls for violence against ICE.
One protestor interviewed by Reuters openly stated, “They cannot take our people without resistance.”
Trump Responds: Federal Troops Deployed
President Trump responded swiftly, federalizing 2,000 National Guard troops to stabilize the area.
“If Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass are unable to maintain order — which is obvious to everyone — the federal government will take charge and handle the riots and looting the proper way,” President Trump declared on TruthSocial.
The move came despite objections from California’s leadership. Governor Newsom accused Trump of using the crisis as political theater, calling the deployment a “spectacle.”
Booker Calls Response ‘Hypocritical’
Senator Booker doubled down, calling the Trump administration’s actions hypocritical given the president’s past support for January 6th demonstrators.
“This is a break from democratic norms,” said Booker. “It will only incite more anger.”
Despite Booker’s rhetoric, even he acknowledged that the attacks on law enforcement were “unacceptable.”
Defense Secretary Warns of Further Action
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a public warning: if the violence continues, active-duty Marines could be deployed.
Hegseth posted an image on X (formerly Twitter) showing rioters waving a foreign flag beside a burning car, writing, “Another ‘mostly peaceful protest’ brought to you by @GavinNewsom. DEPORT.”
✅ Key Takeaways for Concerned Americans
- President Trump is taking action to defend law and order.
- Democratic leaders are downplaying violence while attacking federal response efforts.
- The situation in Los Angeles shows what happens when border enforcement is politicized.