Republicans in Congress vote to ‘condemn’ Los Angeles immigration protests
The Republican-run House passed a resolution Friday that “condemns unequivocally the violence perpetrated against Federal, State, and local law enforcement.”
Reps. Adam Gray, D-Merced, and Jim Costa, D-Fresno, were among seven Democrats who joined all 208 Republicans voting in approving the measure. The other 195 Democrats who voted were opposed.
Republicans used the debate to fire away at California’s immigration policies.
“The violence in Los Angeles is a direct result of reckless policies, like the sanctuary city and state policies that are specifically designed to protect criminals,” said Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Roseville.
Republicans described what they said was an out-of-control protest.
“Cars were burned, businesses looted, American flags were torn down, and officers were attacked by hordes waving foreign flags — all while local officials were silent instead of backing them,” said Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Chico..
Gray, regarded as one of the nation’s most vulnerable Democrats, said, “Let me be clear: I condemn recent ICE raids throughout California that are causing fear across the Valley. There are ways to fix our immigration system, but these terror-inducing raids are not one of them.”
But, he added, “like many things I’ve cast votes on this Congress, this resolution was far from perfect. I’m in Washington to do serious work on real issues facing the Valley. Messaging bills like this have no real force of law and simply express the sentiments of Congress— including the sentiment included in today’s resolution that Congress is grateful for the first responders and public safety officers who keep us safe day in and day out.”
Democrats had a very different view. They noted the protests were confined to a small part of the Los Angeles area, were generally peaceful and triggered a fierce overreaction by the Trump administration.. Democrats tried to offer their own resolution, which expressed support for peaceful protests and condemned Trump’s decision to send troops to the area. Gray supported that measure.
President Donald Trump ordered National Guard troops to the scene, despite not having the consent of Gov. Gavin Newsom. Trump also sent Marines.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, said the Republican resolution “is not just misguided, inaccurate and disingenuous: it’s dangerous.”
Lofgren, chair of the state’s congressional delegation, said Trump’s use of the National Guard and Marines “ in response to largely peaceful protests was unprecedented and wrong.”
Rep. Young Kim, R-Anaheim, was the resolution’s chief sponsor.
The measure:
▪ Recognizes the right to assemble and protest peacefully.
▪ Condemns unequivocally the violence perpetrated against federal, state, and local law enforcement.
▪ Calls on local and state elected leadership to work with the federal government to end the violent riots and restore peace.
▪ Expresses gratitude to law enforcement officers for keeping communities safe in the face of danger.
.jpg)