The unrest in Los Angeles quickly became the latest flashpoint in the national debate over immigration and law enforcement. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is running for California governor in 2026, strongly criticized Harris and other state leaders for their handling of the crisis.
“Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, Karen Bass, and the Democrats want you to think this is a ‘peaceful protest,’” Bianco wrote on social media, sharing footage of burning vehicles and damaged streets. “Don’t let them mislead you. This is lawless California. Our state deserves better.”
Bianco accused state and local officials of downplaying the severity of the riots, calling Harris’ statement “an embarrassment” and asserting that her remarks did nothing to calm the situation. “President Trump didn’t start these riots,” he said. “He’s not the one lighting cars on fire or blocking freeways.”
Sheriff Bianco added that while his department supports the right to peaceful protest, it would enforce a “zero-tolerance policy” for violence, vandalism, or interference with law enforcement. “An adherence to law is essential for a civilized society,” he stated.
President Trump also weighed in, denouncing the attacks on immigration officers and accusing state leaders of failing their citizens. On his Truth Social account, he wrote, “Paid insurrectionists! Newsom and Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the horrible job they have done.”
As tensions remain high, federal and state authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping to restore calm in one of the nation’s largest cities amid an increasingly divided political climate.
