State Democrats denounce Trump’s immigration raids in Los Angeles

On Monday at the state Capitol, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D–Salinas) stood with more than 30 Democratic lawmakers from across California to denounce what they call the Trump administration’s “reckless immigration raids in Los Angeles and unconstitutional actions inciting fear among communities.” 

“For the second time in five years, we are witnessing Donald Trump use the power of government to incite violence and chaos,” Speaker Rivas said. “The first was January 6. The second is happening right now as we speak on the streets of Los Angeles.”

The Speaker and his fellow lawmakers blasted Trump’s decision to activate the California National Guard without Governor Gavin Newsom’s request, calling it a deliberate provocation intended to distract from Trump’s economic failures.

“This is not about law and order,” Speaker Rivas said. “If it were, he would listen to our local law enforcement. He would be listening to California residents. But instead, he wants chaos. He wants disruption. He’s stoking unrest. He’s provoking fear. And, he will do everything in his power to get it.”

Rivas delivered a direct message to California’s immigrant communities, invoking his personal story.

“Like many of my colleagues, I’m the proud son of Mexican immigrants. I am a first-generation Californian. To every family feeling fear right now: You are not alone. We will defend your rights. You are California. And, you make California thrive.”

The Speaker also called out the politically motivated indictment of SEIU labor leader David Huerta and forcefully responded to Trump’s threat to arrest Governor Newsom.

“If Donald Trump wants to jail our governor for defending our Constitution, then he’ll have to arrest me, too,” Rivas said. “And I will proudly stand with Governor Newsom in that jail cell.”

The Speaker continued: “I want to speak directly to our immigrant communities in Los Angeles and across California: Many of you are feeling fear and worry at this moment. I want you to know that your elected officials stand with you. We will defend your rights. You are essential to our communities. And, you are not alone.”

President of the Los Angeles Assembly Delegation, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), made it clear that Trump’s actions are to be condemned. 

"On behalf of the LA County Legislative Delegation and the 10 million people that call LA County home, we have a simple message for the current President of the United States: Stop.

Mr. President, stop violating the constitutional rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop violating the due process rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop provoking fear and violence in LA County. Mr. President, stand down the use of any federalized National Guard troops in LA County. Mr. President, stand down the deployment of any US military troops in LA County.” 

The Los Angeles Assembly Delegation and Speaker Robert Rivas pledged continued action to defend Californians from federal overreach and hostile threats from the Trump administration.

“In the city of Paramount, I saw it firsthand. Flash-bangs. Tear gas. Rubber bullets,” Assemblymember Jose Luis Solache (D-Lynwood) said. “A community that works hard, pays taxes, and raises families was treated like a threat. Let me say this loud and clear: No en mi distrito. Not in my district. Trump won’t solve this situation because he created it. It’s up to us to lead with calm, with courage, and with community. We’re standing with our immigrant neighbors. We’re rejecting political terror. And we’re building a future rooted in justice, not fear.”  

“Donald Trump is not preserving order — he’s manufacturing chaos to justify an authoritarian power grab,” Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez (D-Los Angeles), Assembly Majority Whip, said. “This isn’t about peace or safety. It’s about control. But let me be crystal clear: California will not be intimidated. I’m fed up with his reckless raids, his fascist rhetoric, and his blatant disregard for the Constitution. We will not allow him to turn our streets into his political stage or use our communities as pawns in his dangerous game. Our people are not props — they are families, workers, dreamers, and fighters. If he attempts to cross the line into martial law or misuse the National Guard, we’ll meet him with resistance at every level — legal, political, and moral. We’re not trading our democracy for his delusions of power. Not today. Not ever.” 

“This is a clear case of federal overreach and an abuse of power by the Trump administration,” Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale), Vice-Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, said. “These actions threaten the very communities that fuel our economy and make America great. As an immigrant myself, I know what it feels like to be afraid, and we will not be silenced. As Californians, we will continue to fight for the dignity and safety of immigrants, workers, students, and families.”

“President Trump is abusing his power to divide us and target immigrant families who help make California strong,” Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton). “We cannot take the bait. Now more than ever, we must stand united, protect our communities, and uphold our right to peaceful protest.”

“The federal government sent the National Guard to Los Angeles without the request of our Governor, intentionally generating chaos and conflict by sending troops against their own people,” Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), said. “Our federal government should stop treating the people of California as opponents and withdraw the National Guard immediately.”