California lawmakers condemn violence amid anti-immigration raid protests
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Central Valley lawmakers spoke out against violent protesters as California residents, including those in Bakersfield, continue to protest against immigration enforcement.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains said while Americans have the right to protest forcefully but peacefully, she has no tolerance for 'masked crowds that loot stores and burn the American flag.'
Bains went on to criticize politicians who interfere with law enforcement, pointing out President Donald Trump in particular.
Protesters gather at downtown Liberty Bell for 2nd time as fear lingers over immigration raids
'A president who pardons felons who assault police officers should have kept his nose out of law enforcement's business,' Bains said in her statement, referring back to the Jan. 6 rioters pardoned by Trump in January.
'I don't want to see another TV interview with Trump, the Governor, or any other politician acting tough,' Bains said. 'Let our law enforcement leaders speak, give them what they need to restore order, and then get out of their way.'
Protests against ICE agents and immigration enforcement activities have been roiling through Los Angeles, where Trump recently deployed the National Guard and the Marines in response.
While there are no reports of immigration enforcement officers in Kern County as of June 11, a widespread fear took over the community in recent months when a sudden immigration raid in January targeted farm workers and laborers in the community.
Since Monday, Bakersfield residents have protested against ICE raids in solidarity with L.A.
On Tuesday, Congressman David Valadao announced his joining of a Republican delegation to introduce a resolution formally condemning the riots in L.A.
Valadao shared similar words of opposition to violence and vandalism as Bains, but also urged Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to 'restore peace' to California's streets through the resolution.
'Standing for law and order should be common sense, and ICE should continue to prioritize the removal of known criminals from our country,' Valadao said in a press release.
Congressman Vince Fong heavily criticized Newsom and the protesters in L.A., calling Newsom's refusal to allow local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal agents 'disgraceful.'
In an interview with NewsNation, Fong accused Newsom of refusing to protect federal agents and buildings, saying downtown L.A. is 'under siege' due to the protests.
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'You have search warrants that are being issued, approved by judges, arrests are being made on illegal immigrants that have committed heinous crimes, and the governor of California is opposed to that and won't allow the cooperation of state and local law enforcement to work with federal officials? I mean, this is the height of irresponsibility,' Fong said.
Fong said he wants to see the 'progressive groups that are hellbent on destroying downtown L.A.' get arrested and be held accountable for damages.
'The number one priority for the government on the federal level, on the state level and on the local level is to protect communities,' Fong said. 'And if the local government and the governor of California won't do it, then someone has to, and the president is stepping up.'
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