Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., has voiced significant concerns over the ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in California, a state often regarded as a bastion of progressive values. In a recent post on X, Valadao emphasized the necessity of prioritizing the removal of known criminals over the peaceful, hardworking residents who have lived in the region for years. His comments reflect a broader tension within the state’s political landscape, where ICE’s operations are seen as both a matter of national security and a point of contention over immigration policy.
The congressman’s concerns are intertwined with the recent anti-ICE riots that have erupted in Los Angeles, which have drawn national attention and sparked a significant political divide. Valadao’s condemnation of the riots underscores a critical point of contention within the state’s governance. While he supports peaceful protest under the First Amendment, he has clearly stated that the level of violence and vandalism is unacceptable, and he stands firmly in support of law enforcement agencies working to reestablish order. This stance marks a clear alignment with the Trump administration’s approach to law and order, which is a central element of its policy framework.
Valadao’s district, which is currently rated as