Senator Alex Padilla was “forcefully removed” from a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary.
You’ve certainly heard this–on June 12 California Senator Alex Padilla was, as AP puts it, “forcefully removed” from a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary (and dog shooter Kristi Noem).
Lots of—oh what was he doing there? tsk tsk commentary but—really?—he’s a United States Senator and should be able to ask questions at a press conference without being taken down by goons.
We’re here at Latinopia, based in greater LA, to clear up some rumors about the ruckus in downtown.
There wasn’t much of one. The curfew was one square mile of the 469 square miles that make up the City of Los Angeles. Of course, there were some mensos and jerks that acted up and started busting things up after curfew and that’s what TV focuses on because they need the visuals. The violent jerks were there at the Black Lives Matter protests and protest leaders walked up to the cops and said—would you kindly send these persons away because we have a focused demonstration here.
Mostly in LA this past week—there was nothing there to see. Peaceful demonstrations. Dispersal at curfew time.
The demonstrators during the day were extremely disciplined. Believe me, if we want to throw a riot around here in LA, you won’t miss it—speaking as someone here in 1992 and who drove across the city seeing flames in the morning and passing burning buildings on the way home.
The Pep Boys just off the 10 freeway on fire! That there is painful. Manny Moe and Jack in flames! (It was re-built quickly after everything settled down, which took a moment.)
Point being right there have not been and are right now no riots around here in the LA area.
And probably won’t be.
This is the weekend of No Kings Day and people are going to be turning out in peaceful droves to celebrate no kings for the president.
There will be demonstrations. This is the weekend of No Kings Day and people all across the nation are going to be turning out in peaceful droves to celebrate no kings for the president who seems to think he is one. DJ Trump will be celebrating his 79th birthday with a parade that includes thousands of marching soldiers, a flyover or two. Oh, yeah, it’s also Flag Day.
Hope his majesty’s bone spurs don’t act up during the festivities celebrating all those suckers and losers.
This weekend is certainly a moment for many of us to march and yell—it’s obviously not a one-off for marching and raising our voices.
We’re going to have to be showing up for many a protest as people are rounded up at car washes, on corners in front of Home Depot and even Walmart, for Pete’s sake–the most American of American businesses—or that’s their brand, anyway. Not to mention California fields where people already have back-breaking low-paid jobs and don’t need a daily dose of terror.
So you’re no doubt going to be out making some noise not only on No Kings Day but in the coming weeks.
Since we saw Senator Padilla being taken down, it seems wise to have a handy avoid jail-and-the-migra guide here on Latinopia.
Thanks here to the ACLU and the American Friends Service Committee for assembling some handy tips.
The ACLU and the American Friends Service Committee have assembled some handy tips.
Lots of emphasis on protecting your phone and data. And also what to bring to a demonstration—and what not to. “Don’t bring anything you can’t afford to lose,” the ACLU advises. Take a peek at their tutorial about how to prep for a demonstration and how to know your rights as you engage with authorities.
The Boyle Heights Beat gives some tips about your rights and the best way to respond should ICE show up at your door. And if you look it up, here’s what the internet advises:
Immigrant families can prepare for ICE raids by creating emergency plans, including legal contacts, vital documents, child care arrangements, and a financial strategy. Key actions involve knowing rights, securing legal support, and preparing homes for potential visits.
Yeah, it’s come to that.
Weather predictions in the DC area predict thunder and lightening for Trump’s parade.
We here on Latinopia will continue to keep tabs and send along advice. But truly heart struck that we’re at this space and time.
Anyway—the weather predictions in the DC area predict thunder and lightening so that should be something entertaining.
Won’t say here who we hope would be struck by lightening.
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Copyright 2025 by Bobbi Murray. ACLU logo used under “fair use” proviso of the copyright law. All other images in the public domain.