In L.A. Riot Standoff, Trump Is Right; Bass and Newsom Are Wrong
By Byron York
Wednesday, June 11 2025
The only problem is, the state and local governments do not have any authority to enforce immigration law. The sole power to do that lies with the federal government.
Throughout the rioting in her city, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has frequently lashed out at President Donald Trump's decision to send National Guard and active-duty troops to protect federal buildings and keep the peace. "It makes me feel like our city is actually a test case," Bass told reporters Monday, "a test case for what happens when the federal government moves in and takes the authority away from the state or away from local government."
Of course, Bass was referring to the Trump administration's decision to enforce immigration law, which set off protests and then rioting in the so-called "sanctuary city" of Los Angeles. That, Bass believes, is an example of the federal government "taking away" authority from state and local governments.
The only problem is, the state and local governments do not have any authority to enforce immigration law. The sole power to do that lies with the federal government. Bass can look it up. So can Gov. Gavin Newsom of California.
https://cfif.org/v/index.php/commentary/57-homeland-security/7284-in-la-riot-standoff-trump-is-right-bass-and-newsom-are-wrong