5 Things Christians Should Know about the Anti-ICE Riots and National Guard Response in LA

While the citizens of the United States do have the right to free speech and the right to assemble, those rights don't allow for causing chaos, assaulting police officers, destroying property, setting fire to vehicles, blocking bridges and roadways, and other acts of malintent, according to the Daily Wire.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said that California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state decision-makers are not handling things correctly and that it's political.

"I will tell you this: that would never happen in Riverside County because there would never be a mayor standing in front of a news camera blaming law enforcement for anything or encouraging people to come down and protest while riots were happening while the police chief is standing right next to her. That would never, ever happen here," Bianco told Daily Wire. "This is happening in Los Angeles County and possibly other places because it's political. It's because of the people making the decisions."

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In Contrast, Texas Governor Greg Abbott decided to take action in advance of demonstrations that were planned for Wednesday in San Antonio and ordered the National Guard to deploy to that area.  

In a post on his X account picked up by the BBC, Abbott stated, "Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest."

Other cities and states across the United States where protests have or are taking place include Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Francisco, and Santa Ana. 

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Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism Josh Hawley (R-Mo) believes he has found evidence that the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) may be funding the riots in Los Angeles and is starting an investigation. He has written a letter calling out the organization on "alleged logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions" and reminded the organization that "bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct. Accordingly, you must cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding, or promotion of these unlawful activities."

The letter also requests that the organization turn over internal communications, financial documents, travel records, and third-party contracts and agreements involving planning and funding connected to the demonstrations, according to Fox News. 

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There are several in Congress who support the involvement of the National Guard in California in restoring order due to the riots taking place in Los Angeles, according to The Hill. 

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins told The Hill that, "The violence that we're witnessing against law enforcement, ICE officers in L.A. [is] completely unacceptable and does call for a strong response," though she thought also sending in marines may be a bit heavy-handed. 

Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D) also felt the involvement of the California National Guard was appropriate. 

Speaker Mike Johnson believes both the National Guard and Marines are needed.

"One of our core principles is maintaining peace through strength," he told Rolling Stone. "We do that on foreign affairs and domestic affairs as well. I don't think that's heavy-handed. I think that's an important signal."

Trump blames the unrest in LA as a failure on the part of the state's Democratic leadership.

"If your troops didn't go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now, just like so much of their housing burned to the ground [in the forest fires]," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social account picked up by Newsweek. 

A recent Rasmussen poll found that the majority of Americans would rate Trump's handling of the civil unrest in LA as either good or excellent. 

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Senior Pastor Greg Laurie is the pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, which is located in the Los Angeles suburb of Riverside, California. Laurie took to TikTok when the riots first broke out and posted the following statement: 

"We are all alarmed by the rioting, looting, and destruction in Los Angeles and other cities across our nation. 

There's no justification for this violence – it's tearing apart communities, hurting innocent people, and is flat-out wrong.

As followers of Christ, we're called to be peacemakers, not agents of chaos. Our elected officials have a God-given duty to protect their citizens, to stand for justice, and to restore order.

Let's lift up our brave law enforcement, first responders, and military in prayer – they're out there, risking everything to keep us safe.

This has to stop before lives are lost! I'm praying for a spiritual awakening in America, for hearts to turn to Jesus, and for our nation to find healing through God's love. Let's stand together, shine His light, and seek peace. #PrayForAmerica  #JesusIsTheAnswer”

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