by In MacArthur Park, a center in one of the communities in Los Angeles with the highest concentration of immigrants, it had been a calm morning. The park was mostly deserted save for the children playing outside at a summer camp.
Then, according to video of the event, scores of armed federal agents started to march over grass berms and soccer fields. A government helicopter hovered over the street, and military-style cars blocked it.
They marched in lines while donning masks, helmets, and fatigues. A few were mounted. They were trailed by camera crews.
Since thousands of National Guard soldiers and Marines arrived about a month ago and immigration raids have become a frequent, high-profile event, Los Angeles officials have gotten weary. However, they delivered a rapid and vehement condemnation, taking particular offense with Monday’s unusual display of force in MacArthur Park.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday afternoon, Mayor Karen Bass described what she observed in the park today as “looking like a city under siege, under armed occupation.” As a member of Congress, Bass has frequently visited combat areas. It is the appearance of a city prior to a coup.
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