(NewsNation) — Vice President JD Vance on Friday defended the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard soldiers and Marines to Los Angeles and blamed local officials and California Gov. Gavin Newsom for violence that erupted from anti-ICE protests.
Vance said he came to LA in part to talk with law-enforcement officers who bore the brunt of demonstrations that turned into riots this month. He said nearly 5,000 National Guard members and Marines are stationed locally.
“The good news is the rioting has gotten a lot better,” the vice president said at a news conference. “But the bad news is, as I heard from everybody, unfortunately: The soldiers and Marines are still very much a necessary part of what’s going on here because they’re worried that’s it’s going to flare back up.”
Protests and riots erupted June 6 in LA after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted sweeping workplace raids to apprehend migrants in the U.S. illegally. As the conflict dragged on, President Trump federalized the California National Guard and ordered U.S. Marines to help keep the peace. Democrat Newsom and LA Mayor Karen B*** accused Republican Trump of inflaming tensions and usurping local control.
Vance said it was Newsom and B*** who egged on rioters.
“When I was driving through to come to this FBI building, all I could think about is what a great American city Los Angeles is, and what a great tragedy it is that we’ve allowed illegal immigration and rioting to destroy one of the great gems of the American family,” Vance said.
Newsom has legally challenged Trump’s order to federalize the National Guard, but a U.S. appeals court Thursday sided with the president. Trump celebrated the decision on his Truth Social platform, calling it a “BIG WIN.”
Newsom’s office said it was not notified of Vance’s visit Friday.
“The Governor would welcome the opportunity to meet with the Vice President in service to Californians. We’re always open to working together — which makes it all the more disappointing that the White House chose not to engage with us directly ahead of the visit. We have yet to be officially notified that the Vice President is even coming,” a spokesperson said.
The protests in LA and surrounding communities have been winding down in recent days.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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