Podcast Summary: Tangle - "The Los Angeles Protests"

Episode Title: The Los Angeles Protests
Host: Isaac Saul
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Description: Tangle offers independent, non-partisan political news, presenting arguments from across the political spectrum and featuring insightful interviews with key political figures.

Introduction

In this episode of Tangle, host Isaac Saul delves into the intense protests unfolding in Los Angeles amidst President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement strategies. With both the primary host and his substitute, Will K., under the weather, the conversation remains focused and insightful, delivering a comprehensive overview of the events and the varied political reactions they have sparked.

Main Story: Los Angeles Protests

Event Overview

On June 9, 2025, Los Angeles became the epicenter of significant civil unrest triggered by federal immigration raids. The protests intensified on Friday and Saturday, leading to the deployment of the National Guard by President Trump, a move that defied requests from California's Democratic leadership.

Key Points:

• Federal Raids: Federal immigration agents, clad in riot gear, conducted multiple raids in downtown Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of 45 individuals, including notable figures like Service Employees International Union President David Huerta and at least 11 Mexican nationals (Isaac Saul, 01:44).

• National Guard Deployment: In response to the escalating protests, President Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops on Saturday, overriding objections from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom (Isaac Saul, 06:36). This marked the first instance since 1960 where a president deployed the National Guard against a state's wishes.

• Escalation of Violence: The arrival of the National Guard led to heightened tensions. Protests surged on Sunday, with thousands gathering around key city landmarks. Incidents included the shutdown of a portion of U.S. 101 freeway, vandalism of police vehicles, and the arson of several Waymo autonomous vehicles. Nearly 60 arrests were made on Sunday alone (Isaac Saul, 06:36).

• Government Reactions:

  • Donald Trump: Affirmed his commitment to "liberate Los Angeles from the migrant invasion" and suggested the possibility of deploying active-duty Marines if unrest continued.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom: Criticized the deployment as "deranged behavior" and accused Trump of trying to "manufacture chaos and violence."
  • Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: Confirmed the mobilization of troops and hinted at further military involvement if necessary.
  • Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem: Defended Trump's actions, referencing the administration's intention to prevent a repeat of the 2020 chaos.

Statistical Highlights

• Arrests: 39 individuals arrested in connection with the protests.
• Deployment Numbers: 300 National Guard troops present in the Los Angeles area as of Sunday afternoon.
• Public Opinion: A CBS News YouGov poll indicated 54% approval and 46% disapproval of the Trump administration's deportation program.

Political Perspectives on the Protests

The episode presents a balanced view by showcasing reactions from both the left and the right, highlighting the deep political divide surrounding the Los Angeles protests.

Left-Wing Criticisms

Prominent left-leaning voices have strongly condemned Trump's actions, emphasizing the unnecessary escalation and questioning the underlying motives.

• The New York Times Editorial Board (Isaac Saul, 12:39):

  "Trump calling troops into Los Angeles is the real emergency. ... it sends the message that the administration is interested only in overreaction and overreach in the nation."

• Sasha Abramski (Isaac Saul, 12:39): Criticized the historical precedent of deploying the National Guard, contrasting it with past interventions aimed at expanding American democracy.

• Harold Meyerson in The American Prospect (Isaac Saul, 12:39): Argued that the real disorder stems from the deportation actions themselves, not from the protesters, labeling the raids as targeting "micro-scopically thin" groups rather than genuine threats.

Right-Wing Support

Conversely, right-leaning commentators have lauded Trump's decisive measures as necessary for maintaining law and order.

• Nicole Russell in USA Today (Isaac Saul, 12:39):

  "ICE is enforcing the law. Trump is right to send the National Guard to protect them."

• The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board (Isaac Saul, 12:39): Discussed the risks and mandates associated with mass deportation, suggesting Trump's actions are within his legal authority despite potential unrest.

• Dan Cadman in the New York Post (Isaac Saul, 12:39): Criticized progressive states for ignoring immigration laws and portrayed Trump's enforcement as a necessary reaction to the failures of Democratic policies.

Host's Analysis: 11 Key Thoughts

Isaac Saul offers a nuanced perspective, outlining eleven observations that reflect his concerns and insights into the unfolding situation.

1. Foreseeable Escalation: Saul anticipated Trump's deportation plan would lead to mass civil unrest, a prediction now evident in Los Angeles and other major cities.

2. Selective Arrests: He notes the irony of law enforcement targeting individuals who are not typical "dangerous criminals," highlighting that many arrested are found at their workplaces or immigration hearings.

3. Law Enforcement Actions: Saul questions whether police actions to clear violent disruptions are justified, differentiating between peaceful protests and aggressive vandalism.

4. Presidential Provocation: He argues that Trump's unilateral decision to deploy the National Guard is a deliberate provocation, forcing Los Angeles into unnecessary conflict.

5. Media and Public Perception: Saul observes that contrary to claims of unrest, official statements described the protests as peaceful until the National Guard's involvement exacerbated tensions.

6. Nature of Protests: Drawing from his experience, Saul describes the protests as "civilized cockfighting," where both sides push boundaries, leading to inevitable clashes.

7. Reality vs. Media Portrayal: He emphasizes that despite sensational media coverage, most residents continue their daily lives unaffected, though acknowledges the potential for widespread damage.

8. Learning from the Past: Saul questions whether protesters have learned from the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots, suggesting that destructive actions undermine their cause.

9. Government Trust Paradox: He highlights the contradiction where right-leaning individuals distrust government power yet support broad federal authority for immigration enforcement.

10. Internal Republican Criticism: Saul points out emerging dissent within the Republican ranks, with some officials expressing concerns over the harsh deportation tactics.

11. Appeal to Protesters: He urges protesters to adopt non-violent methods to garner sympathy and avoid further escalating the situation, emphasizing the broader community's suffering.

Additional Stories

Under the Radar: NCAA Settlement on Athlete Compensation

A significant development in collegiate sports was covered briefly:

• Settlement Details: A district judge approved a $2.8 billion deal enabling the NCAA and its major conferences to pay Division 1 athletes directly. This resolution stems from federal antitrust lawsuits claiming the NCAA unlawfully restricted athletes' earning potential.

• Impact: Schools will implement an annual salary cap for players, complementing existing allowances for earnings from name, image, and likeness deals.

Numbers & Statistics

• Historical Context: The last invocation of the Insurrection Act was in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots, involving the deployment of National Guard, Army, and Marines.

• Current Deployment:

  • 399 individuals arrested during the Los Angeles protests.
  • 300 National Guard troops stationed in the area.
  • 500 active-duty Marines on prepared status.

• Public Opinion Polls (June 2025, CBS News YouGov):

  • 54% approve of the deportation program.
  • 46% disapprove.
  • 42% believe the program makes the US more safe, 30% believe it makes it less safe.
  • 53% think the focus is on deporting dangerous criminals, 47% believe it includes non-dangerous individuals.
  • 49% feel the administration is deporting more people than necessary, 41% disagree.

Positive News: Fire-Resistant Community Development

In response to wildfires in Southern California:

• Innovative Construction: Builders KB Home have developed the nation's first community specifically designed to prevent wildfire spread. Homes are constructed with non-combustible exterior materials capable of withstanding flames and embers.

• Expert Endorsement: Steve Ruffner from KB Home highlighted that these designs significantly enhance the survivability of homes in wildfire-prone areas (Isaac Saul, 31:44).

Conclusion

This episode of Tangle provides an incisive look into the Los Angeles protests, contextualizing the events within the broader spectrum of American political discourse on immigration. By presenting perspectives from both ends of the political divide and offering a deeply analytical take from the host, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and ramifications of the current crisis.

For more in-depth coverage and regular updates, visit readtangle.com.