LA Mayor Draws Backlash Over ICE Protest Remarks

Mayor Karen Bass speaking in Los Angeles, CA.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has drawn criticism for giving mixed reports on protests to President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Amid confrontations with National Guard troops, the mayor has urged demonstrators to disperse peacefully. Bass recognized challenges faced by law enforcement, but has also stated that protests have largely been peaceful.

Mayor Karen Bass during joint press conference

Bass stated, "I have to say that yesterday I spent time in the helicopter, so I went all over the city in search of these Marines. And I’m sorry, but I just didn’t see them. What the troops are doing, the Federalized National Guard, is protecting the federal building."

Karen Bass during her inauguration ceremony

Bass added, "I think that detention that happened was an isolated incident, and I believe it was outside of the city of Los Angeles, but I do want to dispel the notion that the military is here. We don’t want them here. They don’t need to be here. Our local law enforcement have complete control of this situation."

Los Angeles Police Department officers clashing with protesters

Protests peaked at 30,000 participants across 15 sites in L.A., with tensions near the federal detention center. Bass cited difficulties managing crowds and blamed some unrest on outside agitators.

Mayor Karen Bass speaking about an executive directive

Bass said, "I will tell you, the 30,000 people were downtown LA. There were protests in 15 different locations in our city. I flew over each one of them, and they were overwhelmingly peaceful."

Protesters gather in downtown Los Angeles

Bass stated, "It’s not shocking that at the end of a protest that you’re going to have some confrontation. Of course, I wish there was none at all, but I don’t think that characterized the day at all. I mean, otherwise, more than five people would have been arrested."

Karen Bass on stage during a rally

Rising tensions led protesters to confront National Guard troops, prompting an unlawful assembly declaration. LAPD used tear gas to disperse crowds, and arrests followed.

Protesters throwing debris at LAPD officers

Though Bass reported mostly nonviolent protests, footage and eyewitnesses indicated chaos at several sites. Tensions rose in previously calm areas by afternoon, leading to heightened law enforcement response.

LAPD officers detain protestors

Bass has noted that demonstrators could face arrest if they refuse to leave but has encouraged those wishing to exit peacefully. Bass said, "I mean, we give them time to disperse, and if it’s clear that they are trying to leave, then there’s a level of patience. But if they are not, then it’s an unlawful assembly."

Jennifer White covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.