Los Angeles immigration riots have become a campaign issue as Republican Rep. Buddy Carter and the America One PAC launch ads targeting Sen. Jon Ossoff over border security and response to civil unrest. The ads accuse Ossoff of lacking a public response to the unrest and criticize his use of pronouns, framing him as aligned with ‘they/them’ rather than traditional gender norms. The ads also highlight Ossoff’s voting record on border policy, positioning him as part of a Democratic strategy to open borders. This political maneuvering comes amid heightened tensions over immigration policy, with President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in response to the riots dominating national headlines.
The riots, which erupted in response to ICE raids, have sparked nationwide protests and drawn significant attention from political figures. President Trump’s decision to send in National Guard troops and mobilize Marines has been a central point of discussion, with Republicans framing it as a necessary measure to restore law and order. Meanwhile, Democrats have called for a more nuanced approach, emphasizing the need for immigration reform rather than militarized solutions.
Rep. Carter’s campaign has been focused on attacking Ossoff’s perceived lack of leadership during the unrest, suggesting that the senator has been absent from public discourse on the issue. The America One PAC, aligned with GOP Sen. Tom Cotton, has also launched a new ad questioning Ossoff’s stance on border policy, specifically his support for opening borders. The ad frames Ossoff’s actions as favoring illegal immigrants and aligning with progressive policies that critics argue undermine national security.
The targeting of Ossoff comes at a critical juncture in the political landscape, as Democrats seek to defend their slim majority in the Senate. With the 2026 midterms approaching, both parties are intensifying their efforts to sway voters. The ads are part of a broader strategy to portray Ossoff as a liability for the Democratic Party, potentially influencing the outcome of the upcoming elections.
Ossoff’s Senate office has defended his absence during the riots, citing his recent paternity leave following the birth of his daughter. However, the criticism highlights the intense scrutiny placed on public figures during times of national unrest. The ads also reflect the growing influence of issues like gender identity and immigration policy in shaping political discourse, further polarizing the national conversation.
As the campaign season progresses, the targeting of Ossoff is expected to intensify, with both parties leveraging the LA riots as a platform to advance their agendas. The political fallout from the unrest continues to impact the landscape of U.S. politics, with implications for the future of the Senate and the direction of national policy.