Trump response to LA protests an ‘escalation of fear' for immigrants, a top Utah Democrat says
House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, is pictured on the first day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)
As the nation continues to watch protests happening in Los Angeles — with more demonstrations planned across the U.S. — a top Utah Democrat criticized President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard members to California over objections from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
'Over the past few days, we have witnessed federal agents conducting large-scale workplace raids across Los Angeles,' House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, — who is also Latina — said in a prepared statement Wednesday.
'These actions, along with President Trump's deployment of thousands of National Guard members, represent both an abuse of power and an escalation of fear within our immigrant communities,' she said.
Romero's comments come the day after Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, said he was 'grateful' for Trump's move to intervene. He also issued a warning that Utah would be 'overprepared' to quickly respond to any protests here that turn violent or destructive.
With eye on LA protests, Gov. Cox warns Utah will be 'overprepared,' won't tolerate violence
Cox and members of Utah's Republican supermajority Legislature have defended the Trump administration's efforts to deport immigrants who are in the country illegally.
Romero, while saying she agrees the focus should be on those with criminal records, said Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids have gone too far.
'I agree with my colleagues across the aisle that undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records should be held accountable,' she said. 'However, raiding elementary schools, separating families, and targeting hardworking individuals does nothing to achieve that goal.'
Romero added that she will 'not stand by as the president of the United States instills fear, disappears individuals, and escalates peaceful protests with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs.'
Romero agreed that 'violence, destruction and vandalism are unacceptable,' but she argued it's up to California's leaders to act — not Trump.
'While the vast majority of protestors have remained peaceful, those engaging in criminal behavior must be held accountable,' she said, adding: 'That said, it is the responsibility of Los Angeles law enforcement and California's elected officials to manage these situations — not President Trump.'
Romero said aggressive actions will only deepen divides between Americans.
'These actions are not collaborative,' she said. 'They are theatrical displays of power that only inflame tensions.'
After four straight days of escalating protests, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday issued a curfew on most of downtown Los Angeles. She said it was necessary to curb the actions of 'bad actors who do not support the immigrant community,' the L.A. Times reported.
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