Happy Wednesday, Democrats. Welcome back to our #TrumpCheck series, the LACDP's weekly newsletter that holds the Trump administration accountable for its lies, deception, self-serving actions, and crimes.
The MAGA movement seems to be turning in on itself these days, with everyone from right-wing commentators, Marjorie Taylor Greene, to House Speaker Mike Johnson demanding the release of the Epstein client list from Trump. Donald himself has criticized his own base, calling them 'weaklings' who are falling for the Epstein 'hoax'.
Outside of MAGA circles, the rest of us are dealing the the ramifications of six months of attacks from Trump, including the reign of terror that I.C.E. has brought down on Los Angeles in recent weeks. The fear and violence being caused by the immigration raids are hurting Americans and immigrants all over the country. Let's dig into the lies about immigration enforcement and I.C.E. detention.
- While campaigning, Trump promised that immigration enforcement would be targeted at "people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, where a lot of these people, probably 2 million, it could be even 3 million." In a February appearance on Fox News, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, "these are individuals that are the worst of the worst of other countries."
FACT: New reporting from the Los Angeles Times shows that the majority of those arrested in L.A. immigration raids had no criminal history. According to the Deportation Data Project, 75% of those arrested on the street or in court had no criminal convictions. “Trump and Stephen Miller don’t care about removing the ‘worst first’ — they only care about arresting whoever they can to complete their massive arrest quotas,” said a spokeswoman for Gov. Gavin Newsom.
How is a 6-year-old with Leukemia considered the 'worst of the worst' in other countries?
- While speaking in June at Fort Bragg (named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg), Trump called individuals protesting the I.C.E. raids in Los Angeles 'animals,' and said “We will not allow an American city to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy. That’s what they are." In regards to sending in the National Guard, he said "if we didn't do it, there wouldn't be a Los Angeles, it'd be burning today just like their houses were burning a number of months ago"
FACT: Yesterday, half the troops that were stationed in the Los Angeles area were withdrawn. National Guard presence over the last month has cost taxpayers nearly $134 million. This is on the immediate heels of Trump's federal funding cuts interrupting disaster recovery and infrastructure rebuilds after the January wildfires. It's good to see that Trump seems so concerned for Los Angeles' well-being, apparently.
- The new immigration detention center in Florida, named "Alligator Alcatraz," has been praised by the deputy director of communications for the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “The facility meets all required standards and is in good working order,” Stephanie Hartman said in a statement. Republican State Senator Blaise Ingoglia described a bunk in an empty unit at the facility as “better than my bed at home.”
FACT: Reports from visiting lawmakers and detainees cite unlivable conditions, with a lack of medical attention, not enough food, ill inmates, and leaking ceilings with insect infestations. Immigration attorneys have found it nearly impossible to get in touch or keep track of individuals who have been detained and brought to the facility in the Everglades, with one immigration attorney describing 'a black hole of information.'
The Trump administration may claim that they are fighting for justice, but its actions demonstrate otherwise. Creating chaos and sowing fear in the hearts of American citizens and immigrants is their greater priority.
The first step in fighting back against the Trump administration is setting the record straight; correcting misinformation is a job for us all. If you had this email forwarded, you can sign up for the #TrumpCheck newsletter here.
Stay safe, stay strong, and keep up the good fight, Democrats.
We'll be back at defending the truth next week. Until then, stay tuned to our social media channels, linked below, for updates on the LACDP's fight against Trump.
In Solidarity,
Team LACDP