Viral Video: ICE Protester Confronting National Guard
By now, you've certainly seen some of the powerful (and oftentimes horrifying) images coming out of the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.
In the face of continued ICE raids, escalation by law enforcement, and displays of police violence at protests, the people of LA continue to show up to defend the immigrant communities that truly define the city. One protester in particular has gone ultra-viral for his brave confrontation of a group of California National Guard officers stationed outside the Los Angeles VA Clinic. The clinic is part of the complex that houses the LA Federal Building and the Metropolitan Detention Center, one of the focal points of the protests.
"You're tough with your assault rifles and your sticks," he starts out. "You should be standing here with us. You're on the wrong side of history."
"We know you got a job to do," he says. "But you took an oath to the Constitution, not to the fascists in the White House."
He goes on, "Think about what you're doing now. Think about what this means, coming into our community. Peaceful fucking community. People working their jobs."
TKTKTK raid in garment district
"They send in men in military fatigues. Weapons of war in our communities, and you stand here and you allow it," the protester says, pointing at the assembly of officers guarding the building.
"I am sick and tired of it."
"You should be sick and tired of it."
He then asks, "You think any of these people in the White House sending you these commands give a fuck about you? Not one of them do."
"They laugh at you. Our president laughs at you," he goes on. "He called you fools. He said the people who died overseas in the military were chumps. That's who you're defending right now."
In the second clip in the video, the protester continues his impassioned confrontation. "Think about your place in history, ladies and gentlemen," he says as the camera pans to a crowd of soldiers in front of military tactical vehicles.
The camera pans the scene of armed soldiers as he speaks to them. "Ask yourself when you wake up tomorrow. I don't know if you have kids. Ask yourself the future you want for your children. Is it this?"
"You can answer me. Is it this? Do you feel good about this?" he asks. "You're tough behind your fucking masks and your fatigues with your weapons, but how do you feel on the inside?"
"This is our fucking community," he shouts. "And we will fight for it if we have to."
The original video alone has been viewed over 350,000 times, but it's been reposted by countless news outlets and social media users. COURIER posted it to their TikTok, where it currently has 3.4 million likes and a staggering 18 million views (and counting). As you can probably imagine, people were moved by the protester's courage and powerful words.
A ton of people thought this was a display of true patriotism.
Many thought he should be running for office right about now.
This person said we need to hear more of this.
"This is everything. The truth cannot hide," one commenter wrote.
People were very moved.
"That is bravery. Wow," someone said.
And finally, someone gave all of us on the sidelines a great reminder: you can always be the hero.
What do you think of his speech? Let me know in the comments.
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