Karen Bass condemns troop deployment in Los Angeles as un-American

In early July 2025, Los Angeles, California, Mayor Karen Bass expressed strong disapproval of the federal government's decision to deploy U.S. troops and immigration agents to MacArthur Park. This action was framed within the context of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement strategies following protests against ICE raids that erupted on June 6, 2025. Local reports indicated that the military presence included armed federal agents and military vehicles, which raised concerns among residents and local leaders about safety and community wellbeing, especially as the troops disrupted activities for children at a nearby summer camp. Bass condemned the federal deployment, labeling it as part of a broader 'political agenda of provoking fear and terror.' During a press conference, she highlighted the negative impact of this military presence on the community, pointing out that children attending summer camps could not participate in outdoor activities due to security measures. She expressed disbelief at the necessity of such actions in local neighborhoods and remarked on the political implications of using military personnel in this manner. The mayor described her reaction to seeing troops on the streets as reminiscent of scenes from countries in turmoil, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Additionally, during an interview, Bass remarked that she was not informed about the federal agents' mission in the park, leading her to seek clarity on their purpose, as chaos began to manifest in the area. She insisted that local law enforcement was capable of addressing the park’s challenges without federal intervention, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to improve safety conditions, which had reportedly seen a significant reduction in violent crime. Bass's assertions further criticized the justification of using military forces to combat issues typically handled by local police, questioning the entire rationale for the military's involvement. This deployment drew criticism from other political figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who described the situation as 'theater' orchestrated by the federal government. Newsom's comments enunciated a collective dismay among local authorities and community members regarding the physical and psychological implications of such a military presence within their neighborhoods. They expressed a desire for federal cooperation that respects constitutional rights and acknowledges the legitimate processes of law enforcement, rather than creating an atmosphere of fear and military oppression amongst civilians. In this broader context, the deployment represents a pivotal point of contention about immigration policy and federal responses within urban environments. The backlash against such military actions reflects deep-rooted concerns over civil liberties and the types of strategies used to manage domestic issues related to immigration. Community leaders, including Bass, continue to seek dialogue with federal authorities to address these issues effectively and to prevent a recurrence of similar situations in the future.