Sen. Fetterman Condemns Anarchy in Los Angeles Anti-ICE Riots

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has publicly condemned the violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, describing them as "anarchy and true chaos" and criticizing his own Democratic Party for failing to unequivocally condemn the destruction and violence. He emphasized his support for free speech, peaceful demonstrations, and immigration but rejected the riots involving rock-throwing, fireworks aimed at police, vandalism, looting, and setting fires as incompatible with those values. His stance contrasts with other prominent Democrats such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Senator Cory Booker, who have characterized the unrest as "peaceful protests." President Donald Trump responded to the riots by federalizing 2,000 California National Guard troops to assist local law enforcement, a move criticized by Democrats who labeled it a "dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos." California has filed a lawsuit challenging the federalization of the National Guard without the state governor's consent. The political divide highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and responses to civil unrest in Los Angeles.