LAPD issues statement referring to violent immigration riots as 'peaceful protests'

The Los Angeles Police Department issued a public statement Saturday characterizing the day’s demonstrations as “peaceful,” despite violent clashes between anti-ICE protesters and federal law enforcement across Los Angeles County.

“Today, demonstrations across the City of Los Angeles remained peaceful, and we commend all those who exercised their First Amendment rights responsibly,” LAPD wrote. “The Los Angeles Police Department appreciates the cooperation of organizers, participants, and community partners who helped ensure public safety throughout the day.”

The statement came hours after chaotic scenes unfolded in Paramount, California, where anti-ICE demonstrators attacked a federal staging area. The violence followed a night of rioting in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids carried out on Friday that resulted in the arrest of over 40 illegal immigrants, many with serious criminal histories.

Saturday’s unrest prompted the Trump administration to deploy the National Guard. Border Czar Tom Homan confirmed the order, and President Trump later released a memo stating that 2,000 guardsmen would be stationed in Los Angeles to restore order.

The LAPD statement drew comparisons to the infamous “fiery but mostly peaceful” fake news narrative from the 2020 George Floyd riots. At the time, CNN’s Omar Jimenez stood in front of a burning building in Kenosha, Wisconsin, while a chyron below him read, “Fiery but mostly peaceful protests.” Those riots resulted in widespread property damage, looting, and National Guard deployments.

The protests began early Saturday after false claims circulated online that ICE had launched a raid at the Home Depot on Alondra Boulevard in Paramount. Authorities later clarified that no action had taken place at the Home Depot. Instead, ICE agents were stationed nearby to coordinate enforcement operations across the city.

Protesters set fires, torched an American flag, hurled rocks at vehicles, and attacked officers. Federal agents responded by deploying crowd control munitions and requested backup from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

President Trump weighed in on the situation via Truth Social:

“Great job by the National Guard in Los Angeles after two days of violence, clashes and unrest. We have an incompetent Governor (Newscum) and Mayor (Bass) who were, as usual... unable to handle the task. These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED. Also, from now on, Masks will not be allowed to be worn at protests. what do these people have to hide and why? again, thank you to the National Guard for a job well done!"

 

In November, LA Chief of Police Jim McDonnell said that the force would “not assist” with the “mass deportations” planned by the Trump administration: "Since my appearance before the committee on public safety, the national election has caused many Angelenos to feel a deep, deep fear, especially in the immigrant community," McDonnell said at a Nov. 8 city council meeting just prior to his swearing-in ceremony as the LAPD’s 59th chief, Fox News reported.

"I know immigrants are being disparaged right now," McDonnell said. "But I want the people of Los Angeles to know my viewpoint. Our nation was built by immigrants and L.A. is such an extraordinary city because of people here from literally all over the world."