Local Monterey County party leaders are weighing in to LA raids and protests
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Local party representatives are reacting to the raids and riots that occurred this past weekend in Southern California. Despite different views, members of both parties agree that violence is not the solution.
The large-scale raids led to larger protest events that paralyzed the city of Los Angeles. Local Monterey County party leaders are weighing in.
“We are a nation of laws and rules,” says Brian Higgins, political director of the Monterey County Republican Party. He adds that the violent incidents seen are not the proper way to protest. “This was never a peaceful protest. It was people damaging our country, attacking our law enforcement, waving the flag of a foreign country.”
Higgins added he hopes to bring proper discussion events to Monterey County. “It's a constitutional right to gather and peacefully protest,” he says. “There'll be discussions between the two sides, maybe. That's what our country is supposed to do: have the peaceful protest, work it out, and see what happens, not burn things.”
Still, county leaders are stating there is an overall heightened level of concern among community members. “Seeing the heightened level of enforcement by ICE and other federal agents against immigrant communities, I've heard from a lot of local residents that they're wondering if it's happening in Los Angeles, will it happen here next?” said Supervisor Luis Alejo.
Data from ICE and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection states that more than 50 percent of those detained do not have a criminal record.
“There's no dispute if they're going after people with serious, violent felonies. That's one thing, but to go after people working at restaurants or at hotels, that's something totally different.” Alejo, adding these massive deportations will only harm the larger community.
Both party representatives stated they look forward to hosting community events. The Republican Party of Monterey County will be hosting Patriot Popups on June 14 from 11 am to 1 pm at Bataan Park in Salinas. Meanwhile, Supervisor Alejo added a press briefing with local leaders will be held next week.
