In a post on X/Twitter, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller responded to protests against ICE arrests in Los Angeles by describing it as an insurrection.
[This is] an insurrection against the laws and sovereignty of the United States.
Stephen Miller
Protesting is protect by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, but Trump’s circle has attempted to charge protesters with federal offenses since his first term, when Black Lives Matter protesters were accused of trying to overthrow the government.
The protests in Los Angeles took place yesterday as ICE conducted raids at stores, restaurants, and court buildings.
Dozens of federal agents wearing helmets and green camouflage arrived in two hulking armored trucks and other unmarked vehicles, and were soon approached by a crowd of immigrant activists and supporters. Some agents carried riot shields and others held rifles, as well as shotguns that appeared to be loaded with less-than-lethal ammunition.
The New York Times
Protesters at three raid locations were attacked with flash-bang grenades. Later, protesters surrounded the detention center where detainees were held. They were hit with non-lethal projectiles and blasted with pepper spray. Over 100 protesters were arrested.
Inside a clothing wholesaler raided by ICE, around 30 employees were lined up against a wall by federal agents who demanded them to show their identification and answer questions about where they were born. Those who could prove citizenship were let go after an hour. Omar Diaz, 26, was working inside when several agents entered the building and corralled the roughly 20 to 30 workers inside and lined them up against a wall.
