How Trump’s Contrasting Responses to LA Protests and January 6th Reveal a Political Power Play Targeting Latino Communities

By David LaGuerre – 

Donald Trump’s recent call for the arrest of California Governor Gavin Newsom following the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles has reignited debate about his approach to law and order. While Trump touts these actions as essential for restoring order, his handling of the January 6th Capitol riot tells a very different story. By comparing his aggressive stance in Los Angeles with his delayed and sympathetic response on January 6th, it becomes clear that both events were wielded as tools to consolidate political power and influence. With unsettling implications for Hispanic and Latino communities, this double standard not only deepens political divisions but also appears designed to discredit these communities by inciting volatile reactions among their families and friends.

Trump’s Law-and-Order Playbook in Los Angeles

Federal Overreach and Political Theater

In June 2025, Trump federalized 2,000 California National Guard troops to quell protests in Los Angeles—an unprecedented use of federal authority that directly bypassed Governor Newsom’s orders. The protests ignited after aggressive ICE raids in predominantly Latino neighborhoods, where over 100 arrests turned local streets into scenes of fear and uncertainty. Trump’s rhetoric framed the demonstrations as an “insurrection,” a label that justified his call for a military-style crackdown. Governor Newsom, on the other hand, denounced the move as “purposefully inflammatory” and promptly filed a lawsuit, arguing that such overreach violated state sovereignty and constitutional boundaries.

“Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles is illegal and immoral. It’s a chaotic escalation that undermines state sovereignty and targets our most vulnerable communities.”
— Governor Gavin Newsom

By invoking the language of law and order, Trump sought to position himself as the only leader capable of quelling what he portrayed as a dangerous uprising. Yet in reality, these actions appeared less about public safety and more about sending a message to his political base: a demonstration of uncompromising strength that resonated with voters who favored his hardline immigration policies.

The Real Impact on Latino Communities

The consequences of ICE raids and the ensuing protests were stark. In Los Angeles alone, ICE operations in Latino neighborhoods led to the detention of at least 118 undocumented individuals, disrupting families and local economies. Businesses reported up to a 40% drop in sales as community members stayed home out of fear. Studies reveal that the psychological toll on these communities—marked by chronic stress, diminished healthcare access, and lasting trauma among children—can span generations.

“The ICE raids are tearing our communities apart. Families are living in fear, and Trump’s militarized response to our protests only deepens the trauma. This is not about law and order; it’s about silencing voices of resistance.”
— Angelica Salas, CHIRLA Executive Director

These measures left a deep scar on Latino communities, which form nearly 50% of the population in Los Angeles County. Rather than addressing legitimate concerns about immigration policy and community safety, the actions underscored a deliberate strategy aimed at weakening opposition through fear and division.

January 6th: A Very Different Standard

Trump’s Delayed and Sympathetic Response

In stark contrast to the swift military intervention in Los Angeles, Trump’s handling of the January 6th Capitol riot was marked by inaction and ambiguous sympathies. On that fateful day, as federal agents struggled to contain an angry mob at the Capitol, Trump appeared to watch events unfold on television, awaiting developments rather than intervening decisively.

Following the onset of violence, Trump’s initial public response was a hesitant tweet urging the rioters to remain “peaceful.” Hours later, in a video statement, he told the crowd, “Go home. We love you. You’re very special.” Such messages, rather than condemning the violent breach of democracy, seemed to validate the anger and frustration among his supporters—a stark departure from the aggressive measures he sanctioned in Los Angeles.

FOX News: Private Urgency, Public Deflection

Behind closed doors, FOX News hosts were pressing for a stronger reaction. For instance, Laura Ingraham texted White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, stating:
“Mark, the president needs to tell people in the Capitol to go home. This is hurting all of us. He is destroying his legacy.”
Similarly, Donald Trump Jr. sent a message urging, “He’s got to condemn this [expletive] ASAP. The Capitol Police tweet is not enough.” These private exchanges reveal the mounting internal pressure on Trump to take immediate action—even as his public statements remained measured and conciliatory.

This discrepancy between his private urgings and his measured public statements on January 6th reinforces the notion that his inaction was not an oversight, but part of a calculated effort to preserve his political standing among his base.

Hypocrisy and the Pursuit of Political Power

Selective Outrage, Selective Enforcement

The divergent responses to the Los Angeles protests and the January 6th riot expose a glaring double standard. In Los Angeles, Trump marshaled federal power in a demonstration of law and order—a display that not only suppressed dissent but also bolstered his tough-on-immigration credentials among conservative voters. In Washington, his failure to immediately confront a violent mob of his own supporters suggests a deliberate leniency, one that resonates with a base already energized by contentious political rhetoric.

“Trump’s actions in Los Angeles represent a dangerous escalation of federal overreach. By deploying troops against peaceful protesters, he sets a precedent for using military force to suppress dissent. This is the behavior of dictators, not democratic leaders.”
— James Ball, Political Analyst

This selective enforcement of authority indicates that both events were less about public safety and more about advancing Trump’s political agenda. While the crackdown in Los Angeles was used to underscore his leadership on law and order, the muted response on January 6th served to maintain loyalty within his core supporters—even when those actions bordered on condoning insurrection.

Racial and Political Implications

The targeting of Latino communities through ICE raids and aggressive federal interventions in Los Angeles is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern. By labeling protests in these communities as insurrections, Trump sought to delegitimize the voices of resistance and justify harsh government responses. In contrast, his leniency towards predominantly white insurrectionists on January 6th signals a disturbing double standard in how dissent is handled based on racial and political identity.

Statistical evidence underscores the political cost to Latino communities. Research indicates that aggressive immigration enforcement not only frays the social fabric by increasing fear and economic instability but also deepens mistrust between minority communities and law enforcement. This erosion of trust makes it even more difficult for these communities to participate fully in civic life, ultimately undermining democratic institutions.

As advocacy groups and local leaders argue, the selective application of federal power in these cases is designed to tilt the political playing field. By pitting communities against one another, Trump’s policies sow discord and create an environment in which political power is maintained through division rather than unity.

A Call for Accountability and Unity

The contrasting responses to the Los Angeles protests and the January 6th Capitol riot reveal a troubling double standard. Trump’s aggressive use of federal authority against Latino communities, paired with his hesitance to act decisively against a violent insurrection, highlights a strategic manipulation of law and order for political gain. This hypocrisy not only undermines democratic values but also deepens racial and political divides across the nation.

It is imperative that citizens demand accountability from their leaders and work toward a more equitable application of justice. Stand with advocacy groups fighting for immigrant rights and support community initiatives that foster unity and dialogue. The future of our democracy depends on a leadership that upholds true justice—one that protects every community, regardless of political affiliation or racial identity.

Call to Action:
If you believe in equal justice for all and want to uphold the principles of our democracy, join organizations that defend immigrant rights and demand accountability from our elected officials. Your voice matters in the fight for a united and just society.