Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass claimed Wednesday that the recent immigration-related riots in the city were “provoked by the White House,” suggesting that federal operations in California may be part of a broader test by the federal government to gauge the limits of its authority over state and local jurisdictions.

During a press conference, Bass said local leaders were originally told that federal immigration operations in Los Angeles would focus on apprehending violent felons, gang members, and drug traffickers.

Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

MORE NEWS: Former NYC Mayor de Blasio Vows ‘Human Shield’ to Protect Socialist Candidate From Arrest

However, she accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents of conducting broader raids that targeted workplaces, separated families, and involved armored vehicle convoys in residential areas.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Do you think President Trump's tariff strategy is starting to pay off?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

“This was provoked by the White House,” Bass said.

“The reason why—we don’t know. I posit that maybe we are part of a national experiment to determine how far the federal government can go in reaching in and taking over power from a governor, power from a local jurisdiction, and frankly, leaving our city and our citizens… in fear. … You’re not trying to keep anyone safe, you’re trying to cause fear and panic.”

The mayor did not denounce the violence and destruction seen in Los Angeles during the past week, only downplaying the impact by stating the unrest was limited to a six-square-mile area.

MORE NEWS: Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” Passes House After Epic Liberal Meltdown [WATCH]

Riots erupted in the city over the weekend following what they mistakenly thought were ICE enforcement operations, prompting President Donald Trump to authorize the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 500 U.S. Marines to the region.

MORE NEWS: Dem Rep Ignites Fury with Outlandish Comments About Pro-Life Conservatives [WATCH]

The military presence is intended to secure federal buildings and assist in protecting federal personnel, according to officials.

In response to the escalating violence, local authorities implemented a nightly curfew and announced that hundreds had been arrested.

In a post on X, the White House responded to Bass’ remarks.

“@MayorOfLA suggests things won’t be ‘peaceful’ in Los Angeles until the Trump Administration stops enforcing immigration law and removing violent criminal illegals from the streets,” the statement read.

“Why are these Radical Left lunatics so obsessed with defending criminals who have no right to be here?”

Bass was joined at the press event by over two dozen local officials from surrounding cities who echoed her opposition to federal immigration enforcement and the military deployment.

MORE NEWS: Scott Jennings Continues to Take CNN Panelists’ Scalps, Makes Career Move Announcement [WATCH]

El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona called for the immediate withdrawal of both the National Guard and Marines from the region.

“We want the National Guard out of our region,” Ancona said.

“We want the military out of our region. They have no business here. And we also want ICE out of our cities. We need to keep our families safe.”

Officials from other cities also voiced their concerns. Downey Council Member Mario Trujillo and South Gate Mayor Maria Davila confirmed that ICE operations were still active in their communities as of Wednesday.

Huntington Park Mayor Arturo Flores took a more confrontational stance, claiming the administration’s actions were unconstitutional.

Flores addressed his comments directly to the Marines on the ground, stating, “The people that are here who have been called foreigners are not foreigners. These are Americans. When we lifted our hands, we swore the oath to defend the Constitution and to defend this country. That oath was to the American people. It was not to a dictator, it was not to a tyrant, it was not to a president. It was to the American people and the people that are here … Whether they have a document or they don’t, you’re dealing with Americans.”

Mayor Bass also questioned the role of the Marines in the city, saying they were “trained in warfare on foreign lands, not domestic,” and raised concerns about their effectiveness given that they do not have arrest authority.

MORE NEWS: Liverpool Soccer Player Diogo Jota, Brother Killed in Car Crash Just Days After Wedding

Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons announced a city initiative to assist immigrants affected by the raids.

“The city council and staff are working tirelessly to develop other means of support and assistance, doing more to support our community,” Lemons said.

“We will also be seeking out our residents who have been directly impacted so that we may hear from them and provide direct support.”

The continued unrest in Los Angeles follows increased immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, which officials say are targeting individuals with violent criminal records.

Celebrate Summer with this LIMITED EDITION Grizzly Trump Cooler! Exclusively on Mammoth Nation.