Chicago City Wire

Brian Kasal, President of Northside Republicans, said that President Trump was justified in restoring order amid the violent migrant riots that erupted in Los Angeles over the weekend. Kasal made his statement to Chicago City Wire.

"President Trump was absolutely justified in sending the National Guard to Los Angeles to protect the city from the violent chaos and lawlessness that unfolded over the weekend," said Kasal. "What we witnessed wasn't peaceful protest — it was a dangerous riot fueled by radical rhetoric, where ICE agents were targeted, cars were torched, and police were attacked. Governor Gavin Newsom's refusal to take decisive action and his continued pandering to extremist elements only enabled this destruction. When state leadership fails to uphold law and order, the President has not just the right, but the obligation, to step in and defend American lives and property."

According to The New York Post, June protests in Los Angeles escalated into violent riots in response to President Trump's immigration crackdown. Demonstrators blocked the 101 Freeway, clashed with law enforcement, and set fire to several self-driving cars. Police deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs to disperse crowds, resulting in at least 27 arrests but not successfully ending the riots altogether. In response, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city, marking the first such federal military deployment in California since 1965. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move and announced plans to sue the administration.

In a June 8 post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said that these "lawless riots only strengthen our resolve." He directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to take all necessary actions to "liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion" and end these "Migrant riots."

Fox News reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urged Democrats to tone down anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rhetoric as violent protests continued in Los Angeles and threats against agents increased. DHS criticized officials including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass for vilifying ICE and fueling attacks. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called recent assaults "despicable," citing a 413% spike in attacks on agents. She accused sanctuary city leaders of encouraging violence such as the protests in L.A., centered around ICE’s presence and operations in the city.

Kasal is a resident of Chicago's 43rd Ward and was appointed as President of Chicago's Northside Republican Club in 2021. According to the organization’s website, he is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating party positions on issues relevant to Chicago Northside voters.