Statement from Senator Durazo on the Immigration Raids, Protests, and Military Deployment in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – Senator María Elena Durazo released the following statement in response to the immigration raids, subsequent protests, and military deployment in Los Angeles:

"I am deeply troubled by the Trump Administration's deployment of thousands of National Guard members and Marines to Los Angeles—an unprecedented and dangerous escalation that our state and local officials rightfully opposed. This militarization of our city to target immigrant families is antithetical to our nation's values and transforms our neighborhoods into zones of fear and intimidation.

While I am relieved that SEIU California President David Huerta has been released, I am also troubled by the charges filed against him for peacefully documenting an ICE raid. David was exercising his constitutional rights as a champion for worker justice and equity, and these charges represent an attack on transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, I am heartbroken by the violent detention of at least 300 community members in recent days—many of whom had legal status and were seized at routine ICE check-ins. Some have already been deported without due process, including a 23-year-old clothing factory worker. Others remain in what I fear are inhumane conditions. These people are not numbers or quotas—they are our neighbors, parents, students, children, and essential workers who contribute to the fabric of our city, state, and country. 

I call on the Trump Administration to immediately cease these harmful raids, withdraw military forces from our city, and drop all charges against David Huerta and other peaceful protesters arrested for exercising their constitutional rights.

I unequivocally support peaceful expressions of solidarity and resistance, and I condemn any instances of property damage or violence. I urge all those fighting for justice to channel their righteous anger into collective action—organizing, mutual aid, and community building that strengthens rather than divides us.

Los Angeles will not be intimidated by federal overreach. I stand with immigrant communities and will continue to fight for dignity, justice, and the values that make our city strong." 

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The 26th Senate District includes the communities of a diverse array of Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Boyle Heights, El Sereno, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Mt. Washington, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, Atwater Village, Elysian Valley, Arlington Heights, Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Little Armenia, Thai Town, Larchmont, Koreatown, Pico-Union, Westlake-MacArthur Park, Historic Filipinotown, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Arts District, Civic Center, City Terrace, East Los Angeles, and the City of Vernon.