Congresswoman Maxine Waters confronted armed National Guard troops during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, brazenly asking them “Who are you going to shoot?” and “You going to shoot an elected official? If you shoot me, you better shoot straight.”
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Maxine Waters confronted National Guard troops deployed by President Trump during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, challenging their presence and use of firearms.
- President Trump sent approximately 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles without Governor Newsom’s request, the first such deployment since 1965.
- Waters attempted to enter a federal building to check on detained SEIU President David Huerta but was denied access.
- The protests turned violent with 27 arrests, including individuals throwing Molotov cocktails and driving motorcycles into police.
- Governor Newsom condemned the National Guard deployment as “an alarming abuse of power” designed to “manufacture a crisis.”
Waters Confronts Armed National Guard During Immigration Protests
Congresswoman Maxine Waters took center stage during recent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, directly confronting armed National Guard troops deployed by President Trump. Waters, known for her outspoken criticism of immigration enforcement, questioned the soldiers about their weapons and authority during what she characterized as peaceful demonstrations. The tense exchange highlighted the growing conflict between California officials and the Trump administration over immigration policy and federal enforcement tactics in the sanctuary city of Los Angeles.
During the confrontation, Waters directly challenged armed personnel, asking, “You going to shoot an elected official? If you shoot me, you better shoot straight.” This provocative statement came as she positioned herself between protesters and law enforcement, apparently attempting to prevent potential violence. Waters later attempted to enter the Los Angeles Federal building to check on SEIU President David Huerta, who had been detained during the protests, but was rebuffed by security personnel who informed her that “The lobby is secured to all visitors.”
Trump Deploys National Guard Against Governor’s Wishes
President Trump’s deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles marks the first such federal military presence in the city since the Watts riots of 1965. The deployment came without a request from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has vehemently opposed what he views as federal overreach. The administration justified the action by claiming the raids targeted the “worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens,” though critics contend the operation is politically motivated and designed to intimidate immigrant communities.
“The Trump administration is committed to restoring the California Dream,” stated White House spokesperson Kush Desai, defending the federal intervention in the state’s affairs.
Governor Newsom has accused Trump of deploying troops “not to meet an unmet need, but to manufacture a crisis.” The governor, along with other Democratic governors across the country, described the deployment as “an alarming abuse of power” that undermines public trust and violates state sovereignty. Newsom has reportedly threatened to withhold $80 billion in taxes in response to Trump’s actions, while the administration has suggested it might cut federal grants to California universities.
Protests Turn Violent Across Los Angeles
What began as demonstrations against ICE raids quickly escalated into violent confrontations across Los Angeles. Police declared downtown an unlawful assembly after scattered violence erupted, including a protester who jumped off a burning Waymo taxi near the Metropolitan Detention Center. Law enforcement arrested 27 protesters on various charges, including throwing Molotov cocktails and driving motorcycles into police lines, highlighting the intensity of public sentiment against the immigration operations.
“This is inciting and provoking violence, creating mass chaos and militarizing cities,” Governor Newsom said, blaming the Trump administration’s approach for exacerbating tensions rather than resolving them.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged protesters to express their outrage peacefully, attempting to calm the situation while acknowledging the legitimate concerns of residents. Meanwhile, federal authorities remain committed to continuing immigration enforcement operations despite local opposition. The FBI has added a man accused of assaulting a federal officer during one protest to its Most Wanted list, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Growing Tensions Between Federal and State Authorities
The standoff between California state officials and the Trump administration represents a significant escalation in the ongoing battle over immigration policy. President Trump has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal funds from California to influence its politics, particularly regarding sanctuary city policies that limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The administration’s aggressive enforcement approach stands in stark contrast to California’s more protective stance toward immigrant communities.
Immigration raids have increased throughout Southern California, with arrests reported in locations such as the garment district. These operations have fueled protests across the region, with demonstrators taking over portions of the 101 Freeway and gathering at federal buildings. The situation remains volatile as federal authorities press forward with enforcement actions while state and local officials continue to resist what they view as federal overreach into state affairs.
