Republican Vice President JD Vance recently engaged with troops stationed in Los Angeles, where their presence aims to address the protests surrounding immigration enforcement. During his visit, he criticized Democratic leaders at both the state and city levels, asserting that they are promoting illegal immigration across the US border.
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Mr. Vance met with some of the 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops who were deployed to Los Angeles by President Donald Trump. He expressed concerns that these Democratic leaders are not doing enough to support local law enforcement personnel.
Earlier this month, President Trump made the decision to send California National Guard troops to Los Angeles, despite objections from Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. This move was intended to manage the unrest that erupted following immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A US appeals court recently affirmed President Trump’s authority to control the California National Guard, which Mr. Vance described as a “completely legitimate and proper use of federal law enforcement.”
Currently, there is no indication from Mr. Vance regarding when the Marines and National Guard might return home, hinting that their presence may remain necessary for the foreseeable future. “The soldiers and Marines are still very much a necessary part of what’s going on here, because they’re worried that it’s going to flare back up,” he remarked.
He further criticized Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for failing to stem illegal activities in the city and not providing adequate support to law enforcement. “They have treated the Border Patrol and border enforcement as somehow an illegitimate force, instead of what they are: the American people’s law enforcement trying to enforce the American people’s laws,” he stated.
Governor Newsom, who is anticipated to consider a presidential run in 2028, could potentially find himself in a political confrontation with Mr. Vance.
Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a spokesperson for Governor Newsom, rebutted Mr. Vance’s claims, labeling them as “categorically false.” She emphasized that the governor has consistently denounced violence and outlined his position clearly. She referenced a post made by Mr. Newsom on June 9, where he stated, “Foolish agitators who take advantage of Mr. Trump’s chaos will be held accountable.”
In addition, Mr. Newsom has characterized Trump’s troop deployment as a catalyst that heightened tensions and deemed it unconstitutional.
“In moments of unrest, the focus must remain on unity and constructive dialogue, rather than exacerbating divisions,” he concluded.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
