On Friday, several former Trump administration officials sharply criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass after she publicly opposed federal immigration enforcement actions occurring across her city. Bass condemned the raids in a social media post, calling them fear-inducing and harmful to community safety, and affirmed her commitment to protecting immigrant communities. Her comments came amid violent protests at raid sites, where LAPD used flash bangs to control crowds. In response, former White House adviser Stephen Miller reminded Bass that immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction, stating, “Federal law is paramount.” Former border czar Tom Homan also defended the federal actions, emphasizing that law enforcement won’t apologize for upholding immigration laws.
Other officials, including Sebastian Gorka and Richard Grenell, echoed the criticism. Gorka accused Bass of aiding illegal activity and warned she could face consequences for interfering with federal operations. Grenell directly blamed Bass for inciting unrest, stating she had undermined the rule of law. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrest of David Huerta, president of the California SEIU, for allegedly obstructing federal agents during a lawful raid. The Department of Homeland Security’s Tricia McLaughlin also criticized the LAPD for failing to respond as protests escalated, including assaults on ICE officers and damage to federal property. The clash between federal authorities and local leadership highlights growing tensions over immigration enforcement and the balance of power between city governance and federal law.
