As anti-ICE riots rage across Los Angeles, congressional Democrats marked the 13th anniversary of DACA with a press conference during which Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., accused President Donald Trump of unleashing a ‘campaign of terror’ on illegal immigrants. The violence has been linked to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions, which Ramirez claimed are part of a larger strategy to target ‘undesirable’ populations. This comes amid widespread public concern over the militarization of federal agencies, with many citizens fearing that the current approach is not only counterproductive but also dangerous to the safety of vulnerable communities.
Ramirez accused Trump, border czar Tom Homan, Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, and the entire administration of pursuing a ‘fascist agenda’ by labeling immigrants as a public enemy. This rhetoric, she argued, not only fuels xenophobia but also justifies the use of brutal tactics by law enforcement. The Democratic representative called for an end to the current policies, advocating for a more humane and compassionate approach to immigration reform. The tensions between federal authorities and local communities have intensified, with reports of violent confrontations occurring in multiple locations around the city.
Despite the allegations of a ‘campaign of terror,’ federal immigration authorities have detailed criminal charges against the illegals arrested by ICE. For instance, Jesus Romero-Retana, a Mexican national, was arrested after being convicted of battery and threatening with intent to terrorize. Similarly, Mab Khleb, a Cambodian national, was charged for lewd acts with a child, battery, and multiple drug offenses. ICE’s operations have been criticized for being too aggressive, leading to accusations that they are targeting not only illegal immigrants but also individuals who have committed serious crimes.