Staff Reports
Over the weekend, the nation once again witnessed the consequences of unchecked radical activism as anti-ICE riots erupted in Portland and Los Angeles. In Portland, federal agents were forced to use non-lethal munitions to disperse a mob that had blocked the entrance to an ICE facility, hurled fireworks and rocks at officers, and even attempted to break into the building. Four officers were injured in the chaos, a stark reminder that law enforcement is under siege simply for doing their jobs and upholding the law. The Portland Police Bureau had to declare an unlawful assembly, and arrests were made, yet city leaders like Mayor Keith Wilson refused federal assistance, prioritizing political optics over public safety.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles became a flashpoint for anti-ICE unrest after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted raids across the city. What began as demonstrations quickly devolved into violence, with protesters clashing with LAPD and federal agents, vandalizing property, and even looting stores. The situation escalated to the point that President Trump federalized the California National Guard and deployed U.S. Marines to restore order. Despite these necessary measures, critics on the left, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, denounced the federal response as “authoritarian”—a tired refrain that ignores the very real threat posed by lawlessness and mob rule.
The Trump administration has been clear and unapologetic about its commitment to restoring law and order. With over 100,000 ICE arrests already this year, the president has called for the largest mass deportation program in American history. This effort is focused on removing those who have broken the law by entering and remaining in the country illegally, often after committing additional crimes. The administration’s resolve stands in sharp contrast to the feckless leadership of Democratic mayors and governors, whose soft-on-crime policies have allowed cities to spiral into disorder and made life increasingly difficult for law-abiding citizens.
Commentators like Kellyanne Conway have rightly pointed out that the current crisis is the result of years of failed progressive governance. Cities like Los Angeles are suffering from rising crime, homelessness, and a mass exodus of residents seeking better opportunities elsewhere—a direct consequence of policies that prioritize virtue signaling over real solutions. Instead of supporting law enforcement and protecting their communities, progressive leaders have chosen to demonize federal agents and turn a blind eye to the violence and destruction wrought by radical activists.
As these events unfold, the divide between those who believe in the rule of law and those who excuse lawlessness has never been more apparent. The American people deserve leaders who will stand up for public safety, support our officers, and enforce the nation’s immigration laws. It’s time for Democratic officials to stop playing politics, accept responsibility, and work with the federal government to restore order. Without decisive action, our cities risk sliding further into chaos—a fate that no responsible leader should accept.
