The U.S. Department of Defense has issued a strongly worded statement in response to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ attempt to stop ICE agents from carrying out immigration raids at the McArthur Park area, which has a strong MS-13 gang presence.
“They need to leave, and they need to leave right now!” Bass said. She also demanded to speak to the person in charge of the operation, but was handed a phone to talk to Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.
“BREAKING: We are with hundreds of federal agents and military as a massive federal immigration enforcement operation is underway in the MacArthur Park area of the sanctuary city of Los Angeles, an area with heavy MS-13 influence,” reported Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin. “Mayor Bass has demanded raids stop, Feds respond with one of the largest yet, including Border Patrol agents on horseback. Protesters already showing up.”
Nearly a hundred members of the National Guard escorted the ICE agents to ensure their safety as they carried out the immigration enforcement operation involving dozens of officers on foot, tactical military vehicles, and horseback.
“U.S. military personnel are on the ground to ensure the safety of federal agents,” the DOD responded. “We will protect federal law enforcement and assist by establishing a security perimeter.”
Justifying her attempt to stop the operation, Bass told FOXLA host Elex Michaelson that she feared that the feds’ presence could cause problems. She also shifted the blame and accused the feds of creating a dangerous situation.
“I went there, because I wanted to know who was in charge so that I could find out what was the mission and how to get them to leave, because chaos was beginning. And, of course, when something that egregious as having it look like there are troops on the ground, that could create a crowd, and then we could have a lot of problems. So, instead of solving problems, they’re creating problems. And I think that’s really egregious.”
Previously, she had alleged that dozens of children were playing in the park, where even most adults are afraid to go out of safety concerns.
“Minutes before, there were more than 20 kids playing — then, the MILITARY comes through,” Bass tweeted.
“I would be shocked if there were kids playing in McArthur Park before,” the Blaze correspondent Julio Rosas responded. “Whole area is covered in trash, human waste, and a bunch of drugged out people.”
However, Bass insisted her actions were well-intended to prevent the situation from escalating, which is unlikely to happen unless anti-ICE agitators attempt to stop a lawful operation.
“I went there, because I wanted to know who was in charge so that I could find out what was the mission and how to get them to leave, because chaos was beginning,” Bass added.
When asked about the safety of the park, Bass claimed that her city had a police department to address the problem.
“And you know what? We have a police department,” she said.
However, she admitted that some persistent problems still exist. Despite this, she responded affirmatively when asked if the police department was doing a good job.
“I absolutely think they are, and we’ve been working together, along with the councilperson. These problems can’t be solved overnight.”
Meanwhile, Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino has categorically stated that he does not answer to the LA mayor. He also asserted that his team has the authority to conduct any ICE operation nationwide.
“I don’t work for Karen Bass. Better get used to us now, cause this is going to be normal very soon,” he told Melugin. “We will go anywhere, anytime we want in Los Angeles.”
She should have shown as much interest when LA was burning instead of being on vacation on the taxpayers dime!
Arrest her/it/thing/what ever along with the illegals.
Just arrest Bass for Insurrection! She hasn’t the authority or the right to interfere with Federal Law Officers doing their job and yet there she is. Charge her with Obstruction and with False Statements Intending to Defraud. There were no children in that park and she said there were to create a false image that would enrage the citizenry. Charge her with attempting to incite a riot. We are way past the point of peaceful coexistence with Liberals. The only way to deal with this infestation of traitors is civil war.