The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a stern condemnation of Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) following her recent actions and comments surrounding the civil unrest in Los Angeles, California. The situation escalated over the weekend when Waters attempted to enter the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center to visit a detained union leader and was denied access by National Guardsmen securing the facility. The DHS has expressed serious concerns regarding Waters' portrayal of the events and her engagement with military personnel on duty.
In the midst of rising tensions in Los Angeles, Rep. Waters approached the detention center, where National Guardsmen were stationed behind a reinforced door as a security measure. Despite identifying herself, Waters was instructed to liaise with public affairs and was subsequently denied entry. The incident was captured in video clips, sparking widespread attention and debate.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin addressed the confrontation during a Fox News interview on Monday, stressing the importance of safety and security for DHS staff, ICE agents, and detainees. McLaughlin criticized Waters for her confrontational stance with the armed guards, suggesting that her behavior was not conducive to de-escalating the violence. She also called for elected officials to moderate their rhetoric, particularly concerning law enforcement.
The backdrop of this incident involves the federalization of the California National Guard by President Donald Trump in response to the escalating violence in Los Angeles. Rep. Waters has publicly criticized the president for not informing Governor Gavin Newsom (D) about the deployment, while also denying the severity of the riots on national television. McLaughlin responded by highlighting the violent acts perpetrated during the riots and calling for Waters to unequivocally condemn such actions.
Amidst the chaos, Waters voiced her concern for David Huerta, a leader of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), who was detained during immigration raids linked to the protests. She described the nearby demonstrations as peaceful, which has been contested by various reports. Waters also took aim at President Trump, accusing him of instigating the turmoil and criticizing his plans for a military parade.
The DHS's rebuke of Waters' actions and narrative is part of a broader conversation about the role of elected officials during times of civil unrest and the relationship between law enforcement and political figures.
