Former Vice President Kamala Harris was widely mocked on social media by conservatives over her response to the LA anti-ICE riots. (Getty)
"Protest is a powerful tool — essential in the fight for justice. And as the LAPD, Mayor, and Governor have noted, demonstrations in defense of our immigrant neighbors have been overwhelmingly peaceful," Harris said. "I continue to support the millions of Americans who are standing up to protect our most fundamental rights and freedoms."
Harris’ comments were immediately criticized by conservatives online and by Trump officials.
"The country really dodged a bullet in November," Fox News contributor Guy Benson posted on X.
In another post, Benson added, "Their official position is that they’re appalled by what’s happening in Los Angeles…because of Trump and ICE, not the violent rioters. In its current form, this party cannot be salvaged."
Then-Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at the PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jacquelyn Martin/The Associated Press)
Steve Hilton, a Fox News contributor also running for California governor as a Republican, posted on X, "In this appalling statement you are siding with violent criminals over California communities; rioters over law enforcement; illegal immigrants over legal immigrants and American citizens."
"You are a pandering machine politician who should never hold public office again."
White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson posted on X, "We all know you support lawless, violent, illegal alien rioters. That’s why you lost so badly in November. Back to irrelevancy you go!"
Fox News Digital reached out to Harris’ office for comment but did not receive a reply.
Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city in an effort to quell some of the unrest, much to the dismay of Democratic officials.
The violent protests erupted as ICE officials carried out plans to remove individuals illegally residing in the left-wing city, which dubbed itself a "sanctuary" for illegal immigrants in November 2024 before Trump was sworn back into the Oval Office in January.
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Los Angeles County Sheriffs stand during a protest in Compton, California, on Saturday, June 7, 2025 after federal immigration authorities conducted operations. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
About 45 people were arrested across several locations, including two Home Depot stores, a store in the fashion district and a doughnut shop.
"Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens?" asked Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
"These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Los Angeles streets," she said. "Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer."
Fox News Digital's Taylor Penley, Emma Colton, Greg Wehner and Bill Melugin contributed to this report.
Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/harris-ripped-appalling-la-ice-raids-statement-placing-blame-trump-the-country-dodged-bullet