Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard to Los Angeles amid riots sparked by protests against ICE raids. Harris condemned the federal intervention, calling it a “dangerous escalation” intended to provoke chaos. She claimed the protests were “mostly peaceful” despite widespread destruction, injuries to ICE personnel, and looting in downtown Los Angeles. Harris accused the Trump administration of using the raids and National Guard deployment to “spread panic and division” and stoked fear rather than protect public safety. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass faced criticism for not acting sooner to control the unrest. In response, Trump federalized about 2,000 National Guard troops and put 500 Marines on standby at Camp Pendleton to restore order.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, sharply criticized Harris and other Democratic leaders for downplaying the violence. He condemned the riots as lawless and accused Democrats of “gaslighting” the public by calling the protests peaceful. Bianco emphasized the need for law and order and promised a zero-tolerance policy against criminal activity during protests. Trump also condemned the attacks on ICE agents, labeling the rioters as “paid insurrectionists” and criticized Newsom and Bass for their handling of the situation, demanding they apologize to Los Angeles residents.