Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, Signals Increased Deportation Activity Amid LA Protests
In a recent appearance on CBS News’s "Face the Nation," Rep. Tony Gonzales, who represents a district along the southern U.S. border, expressed his approval of President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in response to escalating protests in Los Angeles. He characterized the unrest as merely "the tip of the iceberg" as the administration intensifies its deportation efforts.
Gonzales labeled the demonstrations in LA as "tragic," emphasizing, "I spent two decades in the military. I fought in two wars to protect the freedom of individuals to express their views." His comments reflect a complex perspective on the situation, where he acknowledges the right to protest while criticizing the actions of some protesters.
According to Gonzales, what’s unfolding in LA isn’t representative of advocacy but rather involves elements he describes as "anarchists." He insists that it’s imperative for the federal government to act swiftly to restore order.
Looking ahead, he foresees a continuation of protests nationwide as the Trump administration seeks to expedite deportations. Gonzales pointed out that approximately 100,000 individuals have already been deported and anticipates this number will rise sharply.
When asked about any targeted deportation efforts in red states versus blue areas like California, he clarified, "What they are focusing on is the rapid deportation of individuals across the country." He indicated that the current surge of deportations is not limited to any single geographic area.
In his comments, Gonzales also highlighted concerns regarding the Biden administration’s handling of asylum-seekers, noting that over 400,000 cases have been closed without judicial review. He stressed the implications of this policy, suggesting that it raises questions about the legality and ethics of deporting these individuals.
As he concluded, Gonzales warned that the situation is likely to escalate beyond LA, potentially impacting cities nationwide as deportations continue to unfold.