California Democratic Rep. Norma Torres drew heavy criticism from conservatives after posting a TikTok message telling federal immigration officers, “ICE get the f— out of LA,” amid riots and protests over immigration raids. The comment sparked a social media backlash, with conservative voices accusing Torres of inciting hostility against federal agents. Influencers and officials, including Libs of TikTok, Paul Szypula, and White House communications director Steven Cheung, denounced her remarks, calling her behavior inflammatory and demanding her removal from office. Some, like Arizona state Sen. Wendy Rogers and online figure “Catturd,” even called for Torres’ arrest or expulsion. The backlash came as Los Angeles was gripped by unrest, with demonstrators allegedly spitting on officers and vandalizing ICE and Border Patrol property.
In response to the growing violence, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles and placed 500 U.S. Marines on standby. Speaking alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump condemned the attacks on federal personnel and said he was considering invoking the Insurrection Act. Meanwhile, former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the federal response, calling the National Guard deployment an “escalation” and accusing the Trump administration of using fear and division. Harris claimed the protests were “mostly peaceful,” despite documented injuries to ICE personnel and extensive property damage. Her remarks echoed those of other Democratic leaders like Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who were criticized for refusing to intervene. The incident further underscored the nation’s deep political divide over immigration enforcement and federal authority.
