We are in a perilous moment. We have a sitting president who believes he is bound by no law including our Constitution.
Over the past two weeks, federal agents conducted large-scale workplace raids around Southern California. They jumped out of unmarked vans, indiscriminately grabbing people off the street, chasing people in agricultural fields. A woman, 9 months pregnant, was arrested in LA; she had to be hospitalized after being released. A family with three children, including a three-year-old, was held for two days in an office basement without sufficient food or water.
Several people taken in the raids were deported the same day they were arrested, raising serious due process concerns. U.S. citizens have been harassed and detained. And we know that ICE is increasingly detaining thousands of people with no other criminal charges or convictions: Those arrested with no other criminal charges or convictions rose from about 860 in January to 7,800 this month – a more than 800% increase. Meanwhile, those arrested and detained with criminal charges or convictions rose at the much lower rate of 91%. Trump is lying about focusing on “the worst of the worst.”
While California is no stranger to immigration enforcement, what we’re seeing is a dangerous ploy for headlines by an administration that believes in cruelty and intimidation. Instead of focusing on undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records and border security – a strategy both parties have long supported – the Trump administration is pushing mass deportations, targeting hardworking immigrant families, regardless of their roots or risk, in order to meet quotas.
Our system of democracy was created in direct opposition to the monarchy and designed to bolster individual freedom and liberty so that we are never again subjugated to a king. It is that idea, that sacred value, that is being destroyed.
California, the home of the free speech movement, is no stranger to such demonstrations. Our law enforcement officers are well-trained to provide security, ensure order, and intervene when necessary. Last weekend, state and local authorities deployed law enforcement officers, including those from the California Highway Patrol, the LAPD, and the sheriff’s department. Although there were incidents of violence and property damage, state and local law enforcement officials restored and maintained order.
Those who become violent and destructive – vandalizing property, trying to attack police officers – will be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We do not tolerate criminal behavior.
