Rep. Ami Bera Condemns Violence, Calls for De-Escalation and Withdrawal of Marines from Los Angeles

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) issued the following statement in response to escalating unrest in Los Angeles and the Trump Administration’s unprecedented deployment of active-duty Marines during ongoing protests:

“The right to peacefully protest must be protected. From Sacramento to Los Angeles, thousands of people are exercising their First Amendment right to protest the Trump Administration’s actions that are separating families and instilling fear in immigrant communities.

“These protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful. But a small number of agitators have co-opted this moment to commit unacceptable acts of violence—including attacking police officers and setting fires. I want to be clear: I condemn these violent agitators and they must be prosecuted. 

“This moment calls for leadership that calms tensions—not escalates them. I know we can both protect public safety and uphold the rights guaranteed by our Constitution.

“Unfortunately, President Trump has chosen escalation. The unprecedented deployment of active-duty Marines paired with mass ICE raids and use of tear gas in civilian areas represents a clear abuse of federal power that undermines civil liberties, destabilizes communities, and erodes public trust.

“Federal, state, and local leaders should be working in partnership to restore calm, protect the rights of demonstrators, and uphold the constitutional principles that define our democracy. I urge the Administration to immediately order the Marines back to Camp Pendleton and refrain from further military deployments that inflame tensions rather than resolve them.”