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By Shane Croucher
Senior Editor
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The only elected Republican in Los Angeles, Kathryn Barger, warned that there must be close coordination between federal, state, and local agencies if President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to quell the city's riots is to work.
Her warning, in an email to Newsweek, comes as Trump clashes with California Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats, over his deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. Newsom and Bass oppose the moves, accusing the Republican president of fueling the disorder.
Barger, a Los Angeles County Supervisor, is the sole Republican elected to office at the local government level in the L.A. area. There are no other Republicans on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, and none elected to the L.A. City Council.
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She called for "transparency, accountability, and respect" from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it conducts raids across the city, operations that sparked the unrest.
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Trump Troops Need California Partnership
Some protests in the city against raids by ICE over the weekend have descended into riots and looting. The raids are part of the Trump administration's effort to deport all illegal immigrants from the U.S., with an emphasis on violent criminals.
Newsom and Bass said state and local authorities could handle the situation without the National Guard, but Trump said he is reestablishing law and order after failures by local and state leadership.
"The deployment of National Guard troops is a significant action that must be approached with great care and coordination," Barger told Newsweek.
"While I understand the urgency that may prompt federal involvement, I believe any such deployment must be done in close partnership with state and local agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
"Effective use of this powerful resource depends on clear communication, mutual goals, and a unified command structure.
"My focus remains on making sure that all efforts—federal, state, and local—are aligned to deliver real support where it's needed most."
ICE Must Keep Trust of Communities
Barger also urged ICE to minimize "fear and disruption among law-abiding residents."
Newsom said raids have sparked fear among people in Los Angeles, stopping children and their families from going about their normal business, even missing out on major milestones such as graduations. He accused ICE of setting up ID checkpoints.
"Immigration enforcement is a deeply complex and sensitive issue, especially in a diverse region like Los Angeles County," Barger told Newsweek.
"Federal agencies like ICE are tasked with upholding the law and I believe it's critical that their operations are conducted with transparency, accountability, and respect for the communities they affect.
"My priority is ensuring that all enforcement actions are carried out in a way that upholds public safety, while minimizing fear and disruption among law-abiding residents.
"Local and federal agencies must work together thoughtfully to maintain trust, protect civil liberties, and ensure due process is respected at every level."
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