Black Elected Officials of California Condemns Unconscionable ICE Raids, Federal Overreach, and Escalation Toward Authoritarian Rule
- Marla Matime
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Los Angeles immigration enforcement operations terrorize children and families during graduation season; Trump’s unilateral National Guard deployment sets dangerous precedent
LOS ANGELES — The Black Elected Officials of California (BEO) has issued its strongest condemnation yet of the Trump administration’s recent immigration raids across Los Angeles, which traumatized children, disrupted sacred family moments, and signaled an alarming escalation in federal overreach that threatens the very foundations of our democratic system.
Children Terrorized During Sacred Graduation Moments
During elementary school graduation ceremonies last week, undocumented parents were forced to flee as immigration enforcement operations unfolded, leaving children in tears and chaos. Teachers reported that students clung to school staff, crying and asking if they would ever see their parents again.
As Mayor Karen Bass stated, the raids' timing near graduation ceremonies created "a sense of terror in the community," forcing parents to choose between safety and celebrating their children’s milestones.
"What kind of government plans immigration enforcement during graduation season?" said Supervisor Wanda Williams, Solano County Supervisor for District 3. "The deliberate targeting of families during these precious moments reveals the Trump administration’s calculated cruelty."
Protesters and Community Leaders Brutalized
The administration’s actions also extended to peaceful protesters and community observers. Among them was David Huerta, President of SEIU-USWW and a U.S. citizen, who was acting as a community observer when he was shoved to the ground by federal agents. He struck his head and required hospitalization.
Witnesses described federal agents in camouflage, bulletproof vests, and face coverings, deploying tear gas and detaining approximately 44 individuals across multiple locations. This militarized response to immigration enforcement is not only disproportionate—it reflects an authoritarian approach to civil governance.
Constitutional Crisis: Unilateral National Guard Deployment
Compounding the chaos, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles—against the explicit objections of Governor Gavin Newsom—in a highly controversial move that legal experts describe as constitutionally suspect.
Governor Newsom, after a lengthy phone call with the President emphasizing that the situation was under control, declared the action “unconstitutional” and confirmed that California intends to pursue legal action.
Disturbingly, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has since threatened to mobilize active-duty military “if violence continues,” with Marines at Camp Pendleton placed “on high alert.” This raises the specter of martial law being invoked to control domestic affairs.
Precursor to Authoritarian Rule
The BEO views these actions—the militarized immigration raids, attacks on peaceful protest, federal deployment of state National Guard without consent, and threats of military intervention—as a coordinated test case for the normalization of authoritarian tactics.
As Governor Newsom warned, “The federal government is sowing chaos so they can have an excuse to escalate. That is not the way any civilized country behaves.”
The administration’s framing of protests as “migrant riots” and President Trump’s directive to “liberate Los Angeles” from its own leadership are rhetorical escalations with dangerous consequences.
The Black Elected Officials of California calls for:
Immediate cessation of militarized immigration raids, particularly near schools or family-centered events
Complete withdrawal of National Guard units deployed without state authorization
Congressional investigation into potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act and constitutional federalism
Protection of peaceful protesters and First Amendment rights
Accountability for federal agents who used excessive force or targeted community observers
Call to Action
“This is no longer just an immigration policy issue — this is a matter of democratic integrity and basic human decency,” said Supervisor Wanda Williams, Solano County Supervisor for District 3. “We cannot allow the federal government to traumatize children, suppress civil rights, and militarize communities without consequences.”
The BEO stands with Los Angeles families and urges all Americans to remain vigilant. Congress must act now to prevent further erosion of democratic norms and ensure that constitutional protections are not discarded in the name of order.
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About BEO
Formerly known as the Black Elected Officials of the East Bay, the Black Elected Officials of California exists to support, resource, empower, and advocate for Black elected and appointed officials and the communities they serve.
Media Contact:
Marla A. Matime, Executive Consultant
BEO of CA
(951) 341-1441
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