Bass Slams Trump's 'Reign of Terror' as Marines Deploy to LA

Paul Riverbank, 7/21/2025 Los Angeles finds itself at the epicenter of America's immigration debate as Mayor Karen Bass navigates the delicate balance between protecting the city's sanctuary status and addressing federal pressure. Her recent ABC interview highlights the growing tension between local economic realities and national border security imperatives.

The Immigration Standoff: LA's Mayor Bass Navigates Federal-Local Divide

Los Angeles finds itself at the epicenter of America's immigration debate, with Mayor Karen Bass walking an increasingly precarious tightrope. I've watched this situation unfold with particular interest, especially after Bass's recent appearance on ABC's "This Week" – an interview that revealed more in what wasn't said than what was.

When Martha Raddatz pressed for answers about LA's roughly million undocumented residents, Bass pivoted to economics. "We have entire sectors of our economy that depend on immigrant labor," she offered. It's a response I've heard countless times from local officials, but one that deliberately sidesteps the thornier question of enforcement.

I've covered immigration policy for two decades, and this dance between local and federal authorities isn't new. But the current situation has taken on unprecedented dimensions. Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to LA – a move Bass publicly condemned – has ratcheted up tensions considerably.

Here's what fascinates me: while the Biden administration logged about 10.8 million border encounters (plus an estimated two million "got-aways"), current numbers under Trump show a marked decrease in crossings. Yet these statistics tell only part of the story.

The other day, I spoke with Heather Mac Donald from the Manhattan Institute. "Lawlessness in one area breeds lawlessness in another," she told me. It's the kind of stark assessment that makes politicians uncomfortable, but one that resonates with many Americans grappling with this issue.

Bass's characterization of federal immigration operations as a "reign of terror" stands in sharp contrast to the Trump administration's law-and-order message. Though the Pentagon has now pulled back 2,000 troops from LA as tensions ease, the fundamental policy divide remains unresolved.

What's particularly striking is the timing. With LA set to host the World Cup next year and the Olympics in 2027, the city faces mounting pressure to reconcile its sanctuary status with federal law enforcement priorities. The DHS's new self-deportation program, complete with financial incentives and potential legal return paths through the CBP Home app, offers an interesting alternative – though I'm skeptical about its potential impact.

From my vantage point, this isn't just about immigration – it's about how we define local authority in an age of increasing federal oversight. As one city official recently confided to me, off the record: "We're trying to keep our community intact while navigating federal mandates. There's no playbook for this."

The coming months will test Bass's resolve, but more importantly, they'll test our nation's ability to find common ground on an issue that continues to divide us. Having covered similar conflicts in other sanctuary cities, I can say with certainty: there are no easy answers, but there's an urgent need for honest dialogue.

The Immigration Standoff: LA's Mayor Bass Navigates Federal-Local DivideLos Angeles finds itself at the epicenter of America's immigration debate, with Mayor Karen Bass walking an increasingly precarious tightrope. I've watched this situation unfold with particular interest, especially after Bass's recent appearance on ABC's "This Week" – an interview that revealed more in what wasn't said than what was.When Martha Raddatz pressed for answers about LA's roughly million undocumented residents, Bass pivoted to economics. "We have entire sectors of our economy that depend on immigrant labor," she offered. It's a response I've heard countless times from local officials, but one that deliberately sidesteps the thornier question of enforcement.I've covered immigration policy for two decades, and this dance between local and federal authorities isn't new. But the current situation has taken on unprecedented dimensions. Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to LA – a move Bass publicly condemned – has ratcheted up tensions considerably.Here's what fascinates me: while the Biden administration logged about 10.8 million border encounters (plus an estimated two million "got-aways"), current numbers under Trump show a marked decrease in crossings. Yet these statistics tell only part of the story.The other day, I spoke with Heather Mac Donald from the Manhattan Institute. "Lawlessness in one area breeds lawlessness in another," she told me. It's the kind of stark assessment that makes politicians uncomfortable, but one that resonates with many Americans grappling with this issue.Bass's characterization of federal immigration operations as a "reign of terror" stands in sharp contrast to the Trump administration's law-and-order message. Though the Pentagon has now pulled back 2,000 troops from LA as tensions ease, the fundamental policy divide remains unresolved.What's particularly striking is the timing. With LA set to host the World Cup next year and the Olympics in 2027, the city faces mounting pressure to reconcile its sanctuary status with federal law enforcement priorities. The DHS's new self-deportation program, complete with financial incentives and potential legal return paths through the CBP Home app, offers an interesting alternative – though I'm skeptical about its potential impact.From my vantage point, this isn't just about immigration – it's about how we define local authority in an age of increasing federal oversight. As one city official recently confided to me, off the record: "We're trying to keep our community intact while navigating federal mandates. There's no playbook for this."The coming months will test Bass's resolve, but more importantly, they'll test our nation's ability to find common ground on an issue that continues to divide us. Having covered similar conflicts in other sanctuary cities, I can say with certainty: there are no easy answers, but there's an urgent need for honest dialogue.