Issa demands investigation into LAPD's two-hour response during Los Angeles riots
- California's Los Angeles experienced significant riots as over 1,000 protesters targeted ICE officers and federal buildings.
- Congressman Darrell Issa is demanding a Congressional investigation due to claims of LAPD's delayed response, which he asserted was a critical failure.
- The ongoing turmoil reflects broader tensions regarding immigration policy and local governance in California.
In California, tensions erupted over the weekend as riots broke out in Los Angeles in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities. The riots involved over 1,000 participants who assaulted ICE officers and vandalized federal property. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the Los Angeles Police Department took two hours to respond to assist the ICE officers under attack, which sparked criticism and calls for accountability from various officials. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell contested this claim, stating the response time was actually 40 minutes due to traffic issues. Despite this, the DHS maintained its position regarding the two-hour delay. California Congressman Darrell Issa, representing the 48th Congressional District, has voiced significant concerns about the alleged lapse in law enforcement response. He is pushing for a full Congressional investigation to determine if there were any orders from city or state political leadership that delayed the LAPD's response to assist ICE agents. Issa highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that ICE officers were in immediate danger during the riot and questioning the actions of local leadership. The riots in Los Angeles led to injuries among law enforcement officers and multiple arrests. The violent protests have drawn criticism from Issa and others who believe that Democratic leaders are downplaying the severity of the unrest by labeling most events as peaceful when violence occurred. Issa's statements reflect the broader political tensions in California, where Republicans are increasingly critical of the local governance under Democratic leadership, particularly regarding issues tied to immigration and public safety. Overall, the events surrounding the riots have posed a significant political challenge for California Democrats, who have attempted to attribute blame for the unrest on federal involvement while facing pushback on their characterization of the protests. As the situation evolves, calls for accountability and thorough investigation into law enforcement's response during this crisis continue to emerge, risking further division in the political sphere as tensions surrounding immigration policy remain heated.