Rep. Maxine Waters backtracks on claims about LA demonstrations, blames Trump instead

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) has sparked debate with her conflicting statements on the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

The congresswoman initially characterized the protests as peaceful, but later acknowledged violent incidents, attributing them to President Donald Trump’s actions, as the Populist Times reports.

Waters originally downplayed the violence observed during the anti-ICE demonstrations. She asserted there was no violence because the protests lacked shootings or fatalities, attempting to bolster her stance that the events were peaceful.

Details of protests expose Waters

However, as more information surfaced about the unrest’s true nature, Waters adjusted her narrative. She redirected responsibility toward Trump, arguing that his actions and rhetoric provoked unrest.

Waters faced backlash for perceived inconsistencies in her account. Critics pointed out her oversight regarding the importance of adhering to immigration laws during the protests.

Attempting to address the issue firsthand, Waters sought entrance to the Los Angeles Federal Building. Her effort, however, was thwarted as she was denied entry.

Waters persists

Following her denial at the federal building, Waters visited the Metropolitan Detention Center. She aimed to survey the conditions and safety of SEIU California President David Huerta, whom ICE had detained.

In her attempt to access the facility, Waters invoked her congressional authority. “Hello, hello, hello, Congresswoman Waters, I just came to use my congressional authority to check on [inaudible],” she announced.

She emphasized her intent, stating, “I need to get in.” Despite her congressional status, access was not granted.

Lawmaker’s inconsistencies emerge

Waters released a statement addressing her concerns about treatment and procedures within the detention center. “Today, I came to the Metropolitan Detention Center to exercise my constitutional rights as a Member of Congress to check on the safety and conditions of SEIU California President David Huerta, who was arrested by ICE,” she explained.

Her public comments included a call to action against unnecessary force by authorities. She underlined the critical nature of “peaceful, nonviolent demonstrations” in safeguarding constitutional rights.

Earlier perceptions of encouragement to protest through targeted actions had also been attributed to Waters, making the situation all the more confusing.

Trump stands firm

Bringing Trump into the conversation, Waters argued for his accountability in the eruption of violence. “He started this. There should be no violence. He should not continue to support violence,” she stated.

Further highlighting the president’s influence, she accused him of provoking demonstrators to showcase control and fulfill deportation promises. Her assertions fueled discussions around executive power and its impact on civic disorder.

In response, Trump claimed that his intervention, particularly deploying the National Guard, prevented the city from more extensive damage. Appropriate media channels reflected Waters’ admonitions and her appeals to temperance.