Former Los Angeles Police Department detective Moses Castillo has criticized Democratic Mayor Karen Bass for her delayed response to the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. Castillo, who was on the force during the 1992 Rodney King riots, said Bass was too slow in calling for law and order. President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles as the anti-ICE violence escalated over the weekend, leading to pushback from Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom. The U.S. Northern Command announced the deployment of 70,000 Marines to Los Angeles to protect federal property and agents.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reported 197 arrests, with 130 occurring near Commercial and Alameda streets, and 67 after protesters occupied the 101 freeway. The department also noted 96 arrests overnight during Monday’s downtown protests. Charges included assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, failure to disperse, looting, and arson, with one person arrested for attempted murder using a Molotov cocktail.
Castillo told Fox News Digital that Bass was too late in addressing the unrest, saying that if she had been more forceful initially, the situation might have been different. He also accused both political sides of using the violent protests to attack each other, suggesting that a face-to-face meeting to resolve the issues would be more effective. Castillo recalled being an LAPD trainee during the 1992 Rodney King riots and warned that history is repeating itself, noting the current violence against police and the role of social media in amplifying the unrest.
The National Guard and Marines deployed to ensure security and protect federal assets amid the escalating tensions. The situation has sparked concerns about the potential for further violence and the need for a unified approach to address the underlying issues driving the protests. As tensions continue, the response from local and federal authorities has become a focal point in the broader debate over immigration policy and public safety.
Castillo’s comments highlight the deepening divide and the challenge of managing large-scale protests in a politically polarized environment. The deployment of military forces to civilian areas raises questions about the balance between public safety and civil liberties, particularly in the context of law enforcement and federal involvement in local matters.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on finding a resolution that addresses the concerns of protesters while ensuring the safety of law enforcement and the public. The involvement of both political leaders and the media in the narrative suggests that the issue is not just about immediate security but also about the broader political landscape and the effectiveness of communication and leadership in crisis situations.