The current unrest in Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities should serve as a wake-up call to the American public. When law enforcement finally starts doing its job under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Border Czar Tom Homan, chaos erupts. But not because of law enforcement. It’s because illegal aliens, who have been emboldened for years, are finally being held accountable. Let’s be crystal clear. The term “illegal immigrant” is not a slur. It is a legal classification. Entering the United States without following proper legal channels is a crime. It is a willful violation of America’s immigration laws. Every person who crosses our border illegally has committed a federal offense. That makes them criminals by definition. It doesn’t stop there. Illegal immigration is a gateway crime. It fuels a dangerous pipeline of drug smuggling, human trafficking, child exploitation, and cartel-driven violence. Coyotes, or human smugglers, charge thousands of dollars per migrant, who many never make it to their destination alive. The U.S. has no reliable data on how many undocumented migrants have been kidnapped, forced into labor or sex trafficking, or used as drug mules by the cartels. But anyone who doubts this is happening is simply refusing to face reality. And now, those same migrants are walking our streets in broad daylight. The images coming out of Los Angeles and places like Atlanta and Seattle are horrifying. Mobs are looting, fighting police, and openly defying the rule of law. These are not peaceful demonstrators. These are agitators who don’t even understand, let alone respect, the country they are trying to claim as their own. They are here illegally, but act like they are entitled to special treatment. And yet, they are protected by people like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Bass has built her political career on radical activism and Marxist-aligned causes. In her youth, she traveled frequently to Fidel Castro’s Cuba as part of the pro-communist Venceremos Brigade. In the 1980s, she founded the Community Coalition in South Los Angeles, a nonprofit that today controls over $30 million in assets, including $3 million in government grants. She has long aligned herself with fringe movements and institutions like the National Endowment for Democracy, which has been accused of meddling in the affairs of sovereign nations under the guise of spreading democracy. Even worse, Bass was the recipient of a $95,000 scholarship from USC while serving in Congress. This is the same kind of unethical behavior that landed former LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas in federal court. Prosecutors even said Bass’s involvement was critical to their bribery case. But she avoided consequences. Why? Because she is protected by the same political machine that shields the criminals flooding our streets. And then there’s Newsom, who recently attacked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for enforcing immigration laws. According to Newsom, supporting federal immigration authorities endangers communities. The truth is just the opposite. What actually endangers communities is allowing unvetted, undocumented, unemployable, and often criminal foreigners to flood neighborhoods unchecked. These individuals are not community members. They are not taxpayers. They do not share American values. They are not here to integrate or contribute. They are here to exploit. Until Americans regain the moral clarity to call illegal immigration what it truly is—criminal behavior—we will continue to see our cities descend into lawlessness. The president understands this. His administration designated the cartels as terrorist organizations and backed ICE with the tools they needed to do their jobs effectively. This is not about race or ethnicity. It is about law, order, and sovereignty. I live in a country with closed and secure borders: Bulgaria. We do not have a fentanyl crisis. We do not suffer from cartel violence. We are a peaceful, tolerant, multiethnic society that includes Christians, Muslims, Jews, Armenians, and Roma. What unites us is our shared respect for the rule of law and love of country. That’s what makes a functioning society. Not sanctuary policies. Not political grandstanding. And certainly not allowing criminals to masquerade as victims. America should be leading the world by example. Instead, cities like Los Angeles are showing the world what happens when a nation forgets how to defend itself. The American people deserve better. They deserve safe streets, secure borders, and a government that puts its own citizens first. Trump is delivering exactly that. And the silent majority is ready to be silent no more. We will continue rooting for the American people on from Bulgaria! We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post Illegal Means Illegal: Every Illegal Migrant Is a Criminal appeared first on The Daily Signal.

In December 2024, Chen Jinping, a 60-year-old Manhattan resident, pleaded guilty to opening and operating a secret Chinese police station for China’s Ministry of Public Security in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood. Chen was arrested with “Harry” Lu Jianwang in April 2023, following an FBI investigation into the outpost. Though these arrests were the first of their kind, according to Justice Department officials, American authorities suspect that China has these kinds of outposts all over the country.  And China’s nefarious activities in New York City hardly scratch the surface. For decades, Chinese operatives have infiltrated American universities and companies, smuggled drugs and human beings across America’s borders, and stolen American intellectual property and technology—even corn seeds from fields in Iowa.  President Donald Trump was one of the first to see the threat of China clearly. Under the president’s leadership, Republicans in Congress are trying to prevent and punish this malign Chinese activity. This week, one of the House Republicans spearheading that effort, Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, joins “The Signal Sitdown” to discuss. “My passion for this policy started in my district,” Hinson said. The aforementioned seed-stealing spies were operating in Hinson’s backyard. “There was actually a Chinese spy ring busted stealing seeds out of a cornfield in Dysart, Iowa.” “They wanted to take them back to China. They want to cheat,” Hinson explained. “It’s all about reverse engineering because there is so much R&D that has gone into seed technology so that we can grow the most resilient, best yielding plants in the world.” China’s unfair trade practices can often be more subtle than outright theft, however. “[The Chinese] are using tactics like transnational shipment,” Hinson told The Daily Signal. “So, especially in the auto-parts industry, for example,” Hinson explained, “something coming in from China is gonna be tariffed, so then they ship it through Singapore or Vietnam or someplace with a lesser tariff to get around our tariff laws.” “They’re economically cheating and getting a better deal,” Hinson continued. “Meanwhile, you’ve got American producers trying to play on that same playing field and it’s not level.” Hinson has introduced the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act with Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar, R-Mich., and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., to provide federal law enforcement more capacity to crack down on these trade practices. “What we’re trying to do is make sure that President Trump’s Department of Justice… [will have] the resources and a specific task force to be able to go after these malign actors who are, again, intentionally cheating,” she explained. “We think this cost is hundreds of billions of dollars every year on the low end,” Hinson said. “This has been decades in the making, right? You’ve got entire industries that have been ceded and now China owns them.” The post China Has Secret Police in the US. This Congresswoman Is Trying to Stop It. appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Come enjoy our simple strawberry rhubarb jam recipe – made with only fresh fruit, sugar and lemon juice. The perfect pairing of tart rhubarb and sweet summer strawberries is like nature’s candy! We love to add optional vanilla and ginger for an extra-special delicious twist.Using nearly half the amount of sugar as others do, our strawberry rhubarb jam recipe is considered low sugar but is still safe for canning. Or, you can simply store it in the freezer instead. I’ve included tips for both preserving methods. And even though it’s made without pectin, the jam is still plenty thick and delectably chunky.Did you know that rhubarb is technically a vegetable? Yet thanks it’s sour nature, it has a low pH (3.1) that makes it safe for canning in a similar manner as fruit. I was so excited to be able to make jam using our homegrown rhubarb this year, since last summer our resident California quail decided that the rhubarb patch was the perfect nesting spot – and we didn’t want to disturb them!Making Strawberry Rhubarb Jam without PectinYou do not need to add packaged pectin in order to make thick strawberry rhubarb jam. Our recipe relies on the maceration process, lemon juice, sugar, and a longer cooking time in order to thicken the jam, and it sets up beautifully!Even though both strawberries and rhubarb are fairly low in pectin, lemon juice is a great source of natural fruit pectin. Using bottled lemon juice is also essential for canning safety. Our recipe follows the lemon juice-to-fruit ratio recommended by National Center for Food Preservation, so don’t reduce it!IngredientsThis recipe yields about 6 half pints or 3 pints of strawberry rhubarb jam.2 pounds of fresh rhubarb stalks* 2 pounds fresh ripe strawberries* 3 cups white cane sugar 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice (4 Tbsp) – do not substitute with fresh-squeezed lemon juice since the pH can vary 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 whole vanilla bean – optional but highly recommended! 1/4 tsp ground ginger power or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger – also optional*Whole fruit can be weighed before prepping, assuming minimal trimming is done (e.g. removing just the strawberry leaves and base of the rhubarb stems). You can use more or less rhubarb or strawberries depending on what is available to you, as long as it equals 4 pounds of fresh fruit total (e.g. 2.5 pounds strawberries and 1.5 pounds rhubarb). Choose fruit that is free of bruises or blemishes.Can I use less sugar in this recipe?Yes, you can safely reduce the volume of sugar by up to 1 cup (e.g. use 2 cups sugar to 4 pounds fresh fruit, like we do in our low sugar apricot jam and low sugar peach jam recipes) but note that this particular jam may not become as thick or set as well. Let us know in the comments if you try! Also keep in mind that our strawberry rhubarb jam recipe already calls for far less sugar than traditional jam recipes.Time and MacerationThis recipe uses maceration to help naturally thicken the jam. Since it’s important to let the fruit and sugar rest together for several hours or overnight, plan your jam-making schedule accordingly!When you mix sugar and raw fruit together and let it sit awhile, osmosis causes the fruit to break down, soften, and release their natural juices – similar to cooking, but without the heat! This is especially helpful if your fruit isn’t already super soft and ripe. It also gives the sugar more time to interact with the natural pectin in the fruit, thereby helping to thicken jam before it hits the stovetop. InstructionsWash the strawberries and rhubarb well, and then cut them into small pieces no larger than 1/4-inch. For more slender stalks of rhubarb, I simply dice down the stem as I would finely chop celery. For extra-thick stalks, I cut them in half lengthwise first and then proceed to cut into smaller pieces. Add the cut strawberries and rhubarb into a large non-reactive mixing bowl, and then stir in the sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine. Allow the fruit and sugar to sit (macerate) for several hours, overnight, or up to 24 hours for the best results. We usually prep in the afternoon, put the bowl in the refrigerator overnight (covered), and then let it sit at room temperature on the counter for several hours the following morning to warm up slightly before putting it on the stovetop. Instructions continued…If you’re canning the strawberry rhubarb jam, I suggest getting all your canning supplies (canning pot, sterilized jars, lids, etc) ready before proceeding. If you’re new to canning, please read up on the basics here. In a large non-reactive pot, combine the macerated strawberry rhubarb mixture (and juices) with the called-for lemon juice, optional ginger, and vanilla bean*. However, if you’re using vanilla extract, wait to add it until the jam is almost done cooking, since boiling can reduce or change its flavor. Turn the heat on high to bring the jam to a rolling boil for a couple of minutes. Then reduce to a medium-high heat and cook uncovered at a vigorous boil for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the volume has reduced by at least one-third. The jam should significantly thicken around the 20 to 22 minute mark. Cooking the jam at 212°F or higher is what makes it set! Stir frequently, including the bottom and sides of the pot to prevent sticking or burning (especially in the final 10 minutes). I like to use a silicone spatula to make sure I’m scraping the entire pot well. Monitor the consistency. If your jam doesn’t appear thick enough or has too many large chunks for your liking, consider blending a portion of it. About 15 to 20 minutes into cooking, we like to quickly blitz our strawberry rhubarb jam a few times with our trusty immersion blender – just enough to break up some of the large pieces, not to make it silky smooth. I like a chunky texture! You could also scoop out a small portion to blend in a regular blender if needed, and then return it to the pot.*To add a whole vanilla bean to this recipe, slice it down the middle, scoop out the inner seeds/flesh to add to the pot, and also add the outer pod to the pot – but remove the pod later before canning.Canning InstructionsRemove from heat, and transfer the hot jam into hot sterilized canning jars with the assistance of a clean canning funnel.  Fill jars nearly full, leaving ¼ inch headroom. This handy tool makes it easy to measure headroom as well as carefully remove air bubbles from the jar. Use a clean damp paper towel to wipe the rims of the jars before adding lids. Add sterilized canning lids and rings. Screw on the rings to finger-tight only, not overly tight. Use a jar lifter to carefully transfer the jars to your pre-heated canning pot, cover with a lid, and vigorously boil. See chart below for processing times. When finished, transfer the jars from the canner to a cooling rack and leave them undisturbed for at least 12 hours before checking jar seals. (Do not stack or press on the top of the lids.)Recommended process time for Strawberry Rhubarb Jam in a boiling water canner.Process Time at Altitudes ofStyle of PackJar Size0 – 1,000 ft1,001 – 6,000 ftAbove 6,000 ftHotHalf-pintsor Pints5 min1015Table from National Center for Home Food PreservationTips for Freezing Strawberry Rhubarb JamTo freeze strawberry rhubarb jam, allow it to cool to lukewarm in the pot before transferring it into your freezer-safe containers of choice. We love these durable, reusable BPA-free freezer containers that come in a variety of sizes. You can also freeze jam in wide mouth pint or half-pint glass jars (not regular mouth, as jars with “shoulders” are prone to cracking in the freezer). Leave at least a half-inch of head space! For the best results, allow the jam containers to fully cool in the refrigerator overnight before transferring to the freezer. Storage and Shelf LifeStore the canned, sealed jam jars in a cool dark location – such as a pantry, cellar, or kitchen cabinets. For the best quality, use within one year. Storing jars without canning rings reduces the risk of false seals. Frozen strawberry rhubarb jam will also stay good in the freezer for a year or longer, though the quality will start to degrade with time. Once open, store unsealed jars in the refrigerator and plan to use them within one to two months. Signs of spoiled jam include mold growth, off odors or taste. Discard immediately if you suspect it has spoiled.Ways to Use Strawberry Rhubarb JamOn bread, toast, or PBJs. Learn how to make homemade sourdough bread here. With plain yogurt and sourdough granola, hemp hearts, nuts and/or seeds. On top of vanilla or coconut ice cream. On sourdough pancakes, which is particularly tasty with pumpkin seeds, almonds, pecans or walnuts on top! As a part of a glaze, topping, or filling for baked goods. Hellooo strawberry rhubarb thumbprint cookies! With sweet-and-savory snacks, like with cheese on sourdough discard crackers or sliced baguette. Now go enjoy your jam! We hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Please feel free to ask any questions and leave a review below! Print Strawberry Rhubarb Jam (No Pectin, Low Sugar, Can or Freeze) A simple strawberry rhubarb jam, perfect for canning or the freezer. Even though it's made and made without packaged pectin, this jam is still delectably thick! Course Breakfast, Jam, Preserved Food, PreservesKeyword strawberry rhubarb freezer jam, strawberry rhubarb jam canning, strawberry rhubarb jam low sugar, strawberry rhubarb jam no pectin, strawberry rhubarb jam recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minutesCook Time 25 minutes minutesMaceration (Resting) Time 12 hours hours Servings 6 half-pint jars EquipmentLarge mixing bowlLarge non-reactive potCanning pot (water bath)Sterilized canning jars and lidsJar lifter, canning funnel, etcOR freezer-safe storage containersImmersion blender (or blender) optional Ingredients2 pounds rhubarb stalks*2 pounds fresh strawberries 3 cups organic white cane sugar1/4 cup organic bottled lemon juice (do not use fresh-squeezed juice)1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 whole vanilla bean) optional 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp dried ginger powder) optional InstructionsWash the strawberries and rhubarb well, and then cut them into small pieces no larger than 1/4-inch.Add the cut strawberries and rhubarb into a large non-reactive mixing bowl, and then stir in the sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine. Allow the fruit and sugar to sit (macerate) for several hours, overnight, or up to 24 hours for the best results. Refrigerate and cover the bowl if more than a few hours. Prepare and sanitize all necessary canning equipment. Combine macerated fruit with lemon juice in a large non-reactive pot. Add optional ginger and/or whole vanilla bean** now, but WAIT to add vanilla extra until the few minutes of cooking. Bring to a rolling boil for couple of minutes, then reduce to a medium-high heat and cook uncovered at a vigorous boil for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the volume has reduced by at least one-third. The jam should significantly thicken around the 20 to 22 minute mark.Stir frequently, including the bottom and sides of the pot to prevent sticking or burning (especially in the final 10 minutes). Recommended: blend a portion of the jam to increase thickness. We like to keep it fairly chunky still though! Canning InstructionsTransfer hot jam into hot sterilized canning jars. Fill to 1/4" head room in jar. Wipe rims and add lids (rings finger tight only).Process in pre-heated boiling water canner per provided chart above for your elevation (e.g. 5 minutes for 0-1000 feet, 10 minutes for 1001-6000 feet – for pints or half pints) Store sealed jars in a cool dark location (e.g. pantry or cellar) and use within one year for best quality. Once open, store unsealed jars in the refrigerator and use within one to two months.Freezing InstructionsAllow the jam to cool slightly in the pot before transferring it into freezer-safe containers of choice. Leave at least 1/2" of headroom.For the best results, allow the jam containers to fully cool in the refrigerator overnight before transferring to the freezer.Frozen strawberry rhubarb jam will also stay good in the freezer for a year or longer, though the quality will start to degrade with time. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, and use within one to two months of opening. Notes*Whole fruit can be weighed before prepping, assuming minimal trimming is done (e.g. removing just the strawberry leaves and base of the rhubarb stems). You can use more or less rhubarb or strawberries depending on what is available to you, as long as it equals 4 pounds of fresh fruit total (e.g. 2.5 pounds strawberries and 1.5 pounds rhubarb). **To add a whole vanilla bean to this recipe, slice it down the middle, scoop out the inner seeds/flesh to add to the pot, and also add the outer pod to the pot – but remove the pod later before canning. The post Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Jam Recipe (No Pectin, Can or Freezer) appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

2025 marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the 1225 version of Magna Carta, making this an important moment to reflect on its enduring impact and legacy. The Road to Magna Carta In History Hit’s new documentary series, Magna Carta, Dan Snow and Professor Michael Livingstone explore the seismic shifts in medieval power that culminated in one of history’s most pivotal moments. The first episode sees Professor Michael Livingston heads to France to explore the continental side of the Magna Carta story – why did Magna Carta get written in the first place?  Following the first part of this series, in which Michael Livingston investigated the devastating loss of King John’s lands in France and defeat at the Battle of Bouvines, Dan Snow picks up the story in one of the most turbulent years in English history: 1215. Sign up to watch Why was there a 1225 version? Originally issued by King John in 1215, Magna Carta was a charter that guaranteed the liberties and rights of his subjects, critically placing the Crown under the authority of the law. Whilst the 1215 Magna Carta is rightly celebrated as the original ‘Great Charter’, the initial document ultimately failed. Within weeks of its agreement, King John swiftly reneged on his granting of the Magna Carta, asking Pope Innocent III for permission to reject it on the grounds that he had been forced to sign it. The pontiff agreed and annulled the document, sparking the outbreak of the First Barons’ War. However, following King John’s death in October 1216, his young son Henry became king and modified versions of Magna Carta were reissued shortly after in his name, laying the groundwork for a legal document that could truly influence contemporary events and help restore peace. It was the 1225 reissue of Magna Carta that was pivotal – for the first time, King Henry III was considered old enough to make a personal commitment to rule in accordance with the rules set out in Magna Carta. Issued in his own name on 11 February 1225, it was this version that became the definitive and lasting Magna Carta, shaping English law for centuries to come. Magna Carta’s enduring legacy This groundbreaking document is considered a pivotal step in the evolution of human rights, influencing the framing of constitutions worldwide. Outlining basic rights, Magna Carta established the principle that no one, not even the king, was above the law, and notably outlined the fundamental right to a fair trial. Since 1225, Magna Carta has proven to be a remarkably resilient and inspirational document, forming the bedrock of the rule of law for future generations. Its influence is evident in foundational legal milestones, including: The Petition of Right (1628) and the Habeas Corpus Act (1679) The fundamental concept of due process in Anglo-American law The Constitution of the USA (1789) and its Bill of Rights (1791) Read our collection of articles about Magna Carta

This Really Does Qualify as an Insurrection

BREAKING: FBI Arrests Riot Supplier, Charges Conspiracy

Despite sounding like a nightmare, it likely helps give the Guugu Yimithirr people an acute sense of direction.

Clouded leopards are expert climbers and hunters, and slow lorises are, well, slow...

New island just dropped.

Tuesday’s PBS News Hour led off with special correspondent Marcia Biggs’ nearly nine-minute segment from downtown Los Angeles, ground zero in the confrontation between Trump’s immigration enforcement and protests that often devolved into looting and rioting. Co-anchors Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett noted that “700 Marines and 2,000 additional National Guard troops began arriving” on Tuesday, while California Governor Gavin Newsom and President Trump drew political swords via a lawsuit filed by Newsom and Trump’s speech at Fort Bragg. The hosts handed things off to Biggs, embedded in downtown Los Angeles, who saw “tense calm on the streets” while admitting to some looting the night before, with the usual ridiculous caveat of "nonviolent" protests. Biggs: This morning, shop owners cleaned up several looted stores in downtown Los Angeles. But California authorities have said the majority of last night's protests were nonviolent. In a congressional hearing today, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said troops were sent to safeguard ICE agents. Biggs even quoted former House Speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Biggs: And, today, Representative Nancy Pelosi of California contrasted Trump's actions now with his handling of the January 6 insurrection. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): Something is very wrong with this picture, inconsistent in his actions, contrary to his own statement that he couldn't -- of a year ago that he couldn't send anyone in without the governor's consent anyplace, and in violation of the Constitution. Then it was on to the usual ridiculousness about “mostly peaceful protesters.” Biggs: Elsewhere this week, from Atlanta to New York City, mostly peaceful protesters gathered in multiple cities to call for the end of ICE raids. She asked Jorge-Mario Cabrera of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, “How scared are people?” Biggs cited his left-wing paranoia approvingly when she threw things back to the studio. Biggs: Cabrera believes that this show of force is used as psychological warfare and a provocation, an attempt to show those who support immigrants as unruly and un-American -- Amna. Nawaz followed up with Biggs about those arrested. Biggs: ….Cabrera described warrantless dragnets meant to target indiscriminately as many Latinos as possible. Now, of course, the administration flatly denies this and ICE maintains that everyone arrested was living here illegally. But advocates say that they have been detained and have not been able to have access to their families or to any legal representation. But what we do know is that these were all workers. They were targeted at places like a car wash, a Home Depot, a clothing manufacturer. These were all people who were working or looking for work. Reporting live from downtown L.A., Biggs strove to paint a picture of normalcy, to the point of describing a “festival-like” atmosphere, an illusion instantly shattered by the sound of a flashbang grenade, presumably fired by the authorities. She went on to talk about the “pretty nonviolent standoff” immediately after admitting there had been “some looting” the night before. Biggs: So the scene here has been pretty quiet, almost festival-like, for the last hour or so. We just heard a flashbang. We just heard another one. This is kind of how it's been going. This is what we saw last night. Of course, we mentioned some looting, but, in general, last night was pretty nonviolent standoff, which would erupt briefly when protesters would set off fireworks and then the LAPD would push them back…. This biased segment has been brought to you in part by Raymond James. A transcript is available, click “Expand.” PBS News Hour 6/10/25 7:02:38 p.m. (ET) Amna Nawaz: Welcome to the "News Hour." After a night of scattered protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles, about 700 Marines and 2,000 additional National Guard troops began arriving today. California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state's attorney general asked a court to block further intervention from the Trump administration. Geoff Bennett: But protests against ICE spread to other cities around the country this week. And, for his part, the president gave no sign of backing down, saying the Guard and Marines were needed in Los Angeles. In a speech at Fort Bragg today, he called protesters a foreign enemy and animals and said he would use every asset to quell violence. Special correspondent Marcia Biggs starts our coverage from Los Angeles. Marcia Biggs: In downtown Los Angeles today, a tense calm on the streets, with a heavy presence of National Guard members expected to be joined soon by U.S. Marines. In the Oval Office today, President Trump flirted with the idea of invoking the Insurrection Act. Donald Trump, President of the United States: If there's an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We will see. But I can tell you, last night was terrible. The night before that was terrible. We had some bad people. We had people, they look in your face and they spit right in your face. They're animals. And these are paid insurrectionists. These are paid troublemakers. Marcia Biggs: This morning, shop owners cleaned up several looted stores in downtown Los Angeles. But California authorities have said the majority of last night's protests were nonviolent. In a congressional hearing today, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said troops were sent to safeguard ICE agents. Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary: We have deployed National Guard and the Marines to protect them in the execution of their duties, because we ought to be able to enforce immigration law in this country. Marcia Biggs: The deployment is expected to last 60 days and a Pentagon official said it will cost about $134 million. Yesterday, L.A. Police Chief Jim McDonnell said bringing in troops complicated police response to the protests. Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles, California, Police Chief: The introduction of a federal military personnel without direct coordination creates logistical challenges and risks confusion during critical incidents. Marcia Biggs: And, today, Representative Nancy Pelosi of California contrasted Trump's actions now with his handling of the January 6 insurrection. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): Something is very wrong with this picture, inconsistent in his actions, contrary to his own statement that he couldn't — of a year ago that he couldn't send anyone in without the governor's consent anyplace, and in violation of the Constitution. Marcia Biggs: Elsewhere this week, from Atlanta to New York City, mostly peaceful protesters gathered in multiple cities to call for the end of ICE raids. Ana Medina, Home Care Worker: We are not criminals. We are working people. And we are not a trash can for the president. This is not a — I don't understand if this is his way to make America great again, destroy our people, destroy our communities. Destroying America, that's what he's doing. Marcia Biggs: At Trump Tower yesterday, more than 20 people were arrested after refusing to leave. And in Austin overnight, police fired tear gas containers and arrested protesters. Woman: We were just out there peacefully protesting. We were not being aggressive towards the cops at all. We were just protesting as normal. And whenever they decided it was over, they just pushed us and used a lot of force. Marcia Biggs: Back in Los Angeles, demonstrators last night gathered in a small stretch of the city. Some came to protest in solidarity, even if they were scared to identify themselves. Joel, Protester: I am a U.S. citizen. And that's why I'm here. I'm here for my mom who can't be here. I'm here for my uncles and my family members who cannot be here today. But anybody could just look at me and be like, that's a brown guy right there. He must not be a citizen. So, even with my citizenship, I'm still fearful of being out here. Marcia Biggs: Kira Conner has lived in L.A. for 35 years. Yesterday, law enforcement and protesters stopped right outside her building. How do you feel about calling in the Marines and the National Guard? Kira Conner, Los Angeles Resident: I have mixed feelings. I have lived here long enough through many, many riots from Northridge to this, to Rodney King to all that. So it was bound to happen and needed. So I don't think the mayor or Newsom handled anything correctly. That's my opinion. Did Trump overreact? Absolutely. Marcia Biggs: She says Trump is right to deport undocumented criminals, but the way the raids were conducted is ripping L.A. apart and has struck some of the city's most vulnerable communities. Kira Conner: Instead of being the nice, showy president, someone has to make moves. At the same time, you don't go after 30- and 40-year-old people in the Garment District that have been working there. And I know that they have grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They make up L.A. They make up downtown. And now they're gone, their families ripped apart. To do this right after our wildfires, this is insanity. We can't take anymore. Jorge-Mario Cabrera, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights: We believe that about 200 people or more have been detained during the past three or four days. Marcia Biggs: Jorge-Mario Cabrera with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. He says they have been inundated with calls from families, desperate for information about their loved ones. Jorge-Mario Cabrera: We only know of probably a dozen or so individuals that we can actually talk to about their case, which means that the others could just simply be already deported or on their way or forced to sign, which is what we're also hearing, that people are being not forced, but certainly encouraged to sign their self-deportation. Marcia Biggs: How scared are people? Jorge-Mario Cabrera: Today, I spoke with a couple of workers that went into to do what they need to do to earn their living, honestly. And I asked them directly, why are you here? Aren't you afraid? One of them said: "What I do with my fear is, I bring it with me, put it in my pocket and go on. There's no other option for me." Marcia Biggs: Cabrera believes that this show of force is used as psychological warfare and a provocation, an attempt to show those who support immigrants as unruly and un-American — Amna. Amna Nawaz: And, Marcia, we should note you're standing outside that Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown L.A. You reported over 200 people arrested in those ICE immigration enforcement raids over the last three or four days. What more can you tell us about the circumstances around those raids and who was arrested? Marcia Biggs: Well, we don't know very much, Amna, because we haven't been able to speak to anyone who's been detained. But Cabrera described warrantless dragnets meant to target indiscriminately as many Latinos as possible. Now, of course, the administration flatly denies this and ICE maintains that everyone arrested was living here illegally. But advocates say that they have been detained and have not been able to have access to their families or to any legal representation. But what we do know is that these were all workers. They were targeted at places like a car wash, a Home Depot, a clothing manufacturer. These were all people who were working or looking for work. Amna Nawaz: Marcia, what about in terms of the protests? Give us a sense of what you see and hear going on around you right now and if there's any sense of where things go from here. Marcia Biggs: So the scene here has been pretty quiet, almost festival-like, for the last hour or so. We just heard a flashbang. We just heard another one. This is kind of how it's been going. This is what we saw last night. Of course, we mentioned some looting, but, in general, last night was pretty nonviolent standoff, which would erupt briefly when protesters would set off fireworks and then the LAPD would push them back. Also keep in mind that this is happening in a very small slice of the city. It's only a few blocks of downtown L.A. And, in the rest of the city, Angelenos are going about their lives as normal. Amna Nawaz: All right, that's Marcia Biggs reporting for us in downtown Los Angeles. Marcia, our thanks to you and the team. Please stay safe. Marcia Biggs: Thank you.