Weekend of LA riots shows media hasn't learned anything from America's election of Trump

Over the weekend, parts of the city of Los Angeles once again became a riot hub, complete with structures and vehicles set on fire, cinder blocks and other dangerous objects thrown at law enforcement, and major thoroughfares intentionally blocked by thousands, impeding travel on LA's critical freeway system. Despite the mainstream media's promises to cover President Donald Trump and his actions more neutrally in his second term, coverage accompanied by images and videos of the violence was scant, a move that will surely shape public perception of what's happening in the city. 

Protests erupted in the City of Angels on Friday, after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids targeting illegal aliens at multiple city locations, including the Fashion District in downtown LA and a Home Depot parking lot, arresting more than 100 people.

The demonstrations turned violent when protesters clashed with ICE agents and the Los Angeles Police Department, hurling concrete chunks and prompting the use of tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds. By evening, the unrest had escalated, leading to a citywide LAPD-issued tactical alert as approximately 200 rioters remained near the Westlake Home Depot, defying police orders to disperse.

Protests grew from peaceful to violent and destructive

Throughout the weekend, the riots against federal immigration raids escalated with more violent clashes in downtown, demonstrators setting Waymo self-driving taxis on fire and throwing objects at police, prompting the LAPD to declare an unlawful assembly.

On Saturday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement saying, "In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States."

Leavitt announced that Trump was deploying 2,000 National Guard troops due to the inaction "California's feckless Democrat leaders" to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.

"The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”

Soft-pedaling riots as "mostly peaceful"

Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city, a move California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called unlawful, as tensions rose with 27 arrests reported and multiple injuries between protesters and law enforcement.

The unrest saw rioters protesting against deportation to Mexico and other nations, waving Mexican flags and blocking the 101 Freeway. Authorities resorted to using tear gas and non-lethal munitions to disperse the crowds and to protect law enforcement officers. Few legacy news outfits prominently featured the shocking images, and instead gave the lion's share of time to blaming President Trump for starting the riots by having ICE conduct a raid.

The National Desk reported yesterday that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said: "It's an escalation that didn't have to happen. Why were there raids? We had been told that he was going to go after violent criminals. It wasn't a drug den. It was a Home Depot. It was places where people are working. So what was the point of doing this?"

NPR in a Monday article, referred to the riots as "mostly peaceful." In a Los Angles Times article on Sunday, Mayor Bass was quoted describing the protests as "relatively minor" and said “to say that the city is out of control, I don’t know what city they are talking about.” 

The Guardian's coverage describes the protests as “mostly peaceful” but escalating only after the National Guard’s deployment. CNN's Dana Bash said of the arson, rocks thrown at vehicles, and attacks on law enforcement, that this was not a “real riot.” 

Who was actually arrested?

Bass continued her downplaying of the violent protests in a joint statement with L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, where Bass supported Solis’ comment that “The individuals detained are hardworking Angelenos who contribute to our local economy and labor force every day.”

However, Just The News on Sunday published the details surrounding some of those arrested. 

They include: Cuong Chanh Phan from Vietnam, whose criminal history includes a conviction for second-degree murder. From Mexico, Lionel Sanchez-Laguna's criminal history includes discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling and vehicle, battery on spouse, or cohabitant, driving under the influence and willful cruelty to a child. 

Also from Mexico, Delfino Aguilar-Martines, whose criminal record includes assault with a deadly weapon that caused "great bodily injury." Another Mexican citizen arrested was Armando Ordaz, whose criminal record includes sexual battery, receiving known or stolen property, and petty theft. At least one of the "hardworking Angelenos" hails from Peru: Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buiron's record includes robbery with a 10-year prison sentence.