Condemning the Violent June 2025 Riots in Los Angeles, California
Floor Speech
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Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this partisan and misleading resolution under consideration.
We have heard our colleague distort the facts already through this debate. I want to remind the American people and everybody that it was local law enforcement that got the situation under control before the National Guard and the Marines showed up. I know because I was on the phone with the sheriffs and local law enforcement who said, no, they don't need anybody, that the situation was under control.
This resolution distorts the facts of what happened in Los Angeles. It falsely paints a picture of widespread chaos across Los Angeles to justify and legitimize Donald Trump's dangerous decision to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines on American soil, all without the consent of California's Governor or a request from local leaders and law enforcement.
That is why I worked with Representative Zoe Lofgren to introduce a resolution that condemns violence, supports peaceful protests, and sets the facts straight.
Angelenos have exercised their First Amendment right to peacefully protest Federal ICE raids that have terrorized our communities. Unfortunately, there have been a small handful of troublemakers who have taken to the streets to cause destruction and physical confrontation.
Mr. Speaker, they should be arrested and prosecuted, something that the Governor, the mayor, and L.A.'s congressional delegation have called for from the start.
Let's remember, though, how we got here. What we have seen on our streets is chilling. There are masked men in unmarked cars. They have no identification or badge. They are drawing weapons. They are swarming businesses and parks to indiscriminately stop, arrest, or detain immigrants and U.S. citizens.
People are being stopped and detained because of the color of their skin. These are not violent criminals. The majority of the people have no criminal record.
They are taking the parents, and they are leaving the kids stranded. They have set off flash-bang grenades in crowds. ICE even arrested U.S. citizens based on how they looked.
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Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, it is this conduct that is causing people to go out in the streets and peacefully protest.
President Trump's deployment of troops only escalated tensions and caused further unrest. Democrats have been clear. Anyone who commits violence must be held accountable. We must recognize that peaceful protests are patriotic. Deploying troops to silence dissent is not.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution ignores those facts to score political points, and I urge a ``no'' vote.
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