California Lt. Gov. Blames Trump for Sparking Los Angeles Anti-ICE Riots

In a fiery escalation of tensions in Los Angeles, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis has pointed a sharp finger at President Donald Trump, accusing him of fueling the violent anti-ICE riots that have gripped the city since Friday. What began as protests against immigration raids has spiraled into chaos, with the National Guard now deployed and freeways shut down.

The unrest, now in its third day, erupted as federal officials conducted sweeps targeting undocumented individuals. Kounalakis, speaking on a national news program, called the initial protests—numbering about 400 across two locations—manageable by local law enforcement. She argued that Trump’s decision to send in the National Guard, with threats of Marine involvement, was unnecessary and inflammatory. 'This is political theater,' she charged, suggesting the president is deliberately stoking division for his own gain.

Beyond the troop deployment, Kounalakis expressed deep concern over the raids themselves, claiming they’ve swept up people merely 'profiled' as undocumented, far from the violent criminals Trump promised to target. She described scenes of individuals being detained in workplaces, painting a picture of overreach that has only deepened public anger. The lieutenant governor also hinted at a forthcoming lawsuit against the administration over the militarized response.

Meanwhile, the White House fired back, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defending the president’s actions and slamming California Governor Gavin Newsom for failing to control the violence. On the ground, the situation remains tense—500 Marines are on standby, 2,000 National Guard soldiers are under federal command, and 300 combat team members are already deployed. The 101 Freeway, a major artery, has been shuttered as riots persist.

This clash isn’t just about policy; it’s a stark reflection of the deeper divide over immigration, state versus federal power, and how far a government should go to enforce its laws. As Los Angeles burns, the question looms: will this be resolved with dialogue, or more boots on the ground?