Immigration Crisis Under Biden Fueled Los Angeles Riots, Expert Warns

California, often a lightning rod for national debates, has found itself at the heart of a fiery immigration storm under the Trump administration. The recent riots in Los Angeles, erupting last month and echoing in pockets across the country, have raised a critical question: what fueled this unrest? According to Heather Mac Donald, a respected fellow at the Manhattan Institute, the seeds of chaos were sown during the Biden administration's handling of the border crisis.

Mac Donald argues that a culture of lawlessness at the border has spilled over into other areas, creating a domino effect. "When you tolerate criminal behavior in one sphere, it emboldens disorder in others," she noted, pointing to how Los Angeles and California as a whole have grappled with unchecked lawbreaking. This environment, she believes, empowered activists and protesters to unleash havoc on the streets, feeling untouchable in their actions.

Beyond the immediate unrest, Mac Donald warns of deeper, long-term challenges tied to unchecked immigration. She challenges the popular narrative that endless demographic change is inherently positive, suggesting that without pauses for assimilation, the cultural fabric of the nation risks fraying. "Historically, we’ve seen that halting immigration for periods allows integration to take root," she explained, advocating for a cap on incoming numbers to ensure newcomers can truly become part of the American story.

On policy, Mac Donald calls for targeted reforms, such as refining temporary worker programs for agriculture and prioritizing high-skilled immigrants while curbing chain migration. She also supports the Trump administration’s push for mass deportations, particularly focusing on those with criminal records, though she acknowledges the broader public may not have the appetite for sweeping enforcement. "Every illegal entry is a breach of law, but the nuance of public sentiment can’t be ignored," she admitted.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has emerged as a vocal critic of federal immigration sweeps, positioning the city as a sanctuary for immigrants. Her defiance, including sharp remarks like telling ICE to 'go home,' underscores a growing tension between local and federal priorities. As the Department of Homeland Security rolls out initiatives like self-deportation incentives through the CBP Home app, offering financial aid and legal re-entry options, the divide only deepens.

Looking ahead, Mac Donald predicts more unrest in other cities if leaders continue to downplay or justify the chaos. "When elected officials brush this off as 'under control,' they’re lighting the fuse for the next explosion," she cautioned. As the immigration debate rages on, the streets of America remain a battleground for policy and principle alike.