Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has launched a sharp critique of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for their handling of the violent anti-ICE riots that took place during the recent protests. Villanueva, who previously led the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, accused the state and city leaders of providing an ‘incredibly weak’ and ‘feck, on steroids’ response to the unrest. He argued that the failure to maintain order and protect public safety during the protests was an alarming lapse in law enforcement accountability.
Villanueva’s comments come amid growing public concern over the chaotic nature of the protests and the perceived lack of effective governance. Critics have raised questions about the balance between civil liberties and public order, with Villanueva’s criticism highlighting the potential consequences of an uncontrolled situation. His remarks have sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of local and state officials in managing large-scale demonstrations and ensuring that such events do not escalate into violence. This debate underscores the political and social complexities surrounding immigration and law enforcement in California.