Impromptu Are the immigration protests a turning point?
Jun 10, 2025
León Krauze, a columnist at The Washington Post, and James Hohmann, a member of its editorial board, dive into the surge of immigration protests sparked by ICE raids in Los Angeles. They discuss the implications of Trump's immigration policies and his controversial decision to involve military forces. The conversation touches on the balance between authority and public dissent, historical parallels with past protests, and questions surrounding democracy's resilience against authoritarianism. Their insights reveal the rising community energy and potential for peaceful protest.
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Immigration Raids Target Vulnerable Areas
- The ICE raids targeted vulnerable immigrant communities in Los Angeles, specifically in places like the fashion district and Home Depot parking lots.
- These actions deeply upset a diverse city with a large Hispanic immigrant population, provoking strong protests.
Trump's Politics Fuel Protests
- President Trump combines policy and politics when pushing aggressive immigration actions to meet deportation targets.
- He seems to appreciate the visual impact of protests, which he believes reinforce his mandate to act tough on immigration.
Military Deployment Seen as Escalation
- The deployment of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles is seen as unnecessary and risks escalating tensions.
- The protests were largely peaceful, and law enforcement already had the situation under control before federal troops arrived.