Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins issued a sharp rebuke of rioters in Los Angeles, who he accused of disrupting essential veteran health care services during the ongoing unrest following ICE raids. The closure of the VA clinic in the city has been a direct result of the violence, which he described as a threat to public safety and veterans’ well-being. Collins emphasized the importance of maintaining order and prioritizing the health care needs of veterans amid the turmoil.
The VA clinic in question was located in a high-traffic area between Skid Row and Union Station, situated near the US-101 freeway, which was a focal point of the riots. During the clashes, California Highway Patrol officers were reportedly stranded in their vehicles on the road, with some facing projectiles thrown by rioters. This escalation of violence has created a dangerous environment that has necessitated the temporary closure of the VA facility, according to Collins.
Collins, a former Republican congressman from Georgia, accused California leaders of placing the interests of illegal immigrants above those of hard-working citizens, which he believes has contributed to the current crisis. He also criticized the actions of rioters, urging them to respect the rule of law and consider the impact of their actions on vulnerable populations, including veterans. The VA secretary reiterated that President Donald Trump has the courage to restore order in Los Angeles, something, he claims, California authorities have failed to achieve.
While the clinic remains closed, Collins assured that veterans receiving care there would be able to reschedule or access telehealth services until the facility can reopen. The VA office has also reached out to the offices of Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for further information and clarification on the situation. The incident highlights the broader tensions between public safety, immigration policy, and the delivery of essential services for veterans in the face of civil unrest.