In the fresh chaos emanating from the charged atmosphere in Paramount, California, one might be tempted to ask what on earth is happening over there. The scene at Home Depot saw protesters clashing with police, reportedly due to an unconfirmed ICE raid. With police vehicles damaged and several arrests made, it seems some folks have decided their new hobby involves assaulting federal agents. Interestingly enough, this spectacle follows a rather riotous night in the City of Angels itself, showcasing once again that the Hollywood flair for drama isn’t just restricted to the big screen.

It’s not every day you get to see fifty shades of mayhem spilling onto Los Angeles streets, but here we are. Reports talk of tear gas saturating the air while law enforcement scrambling to keep the city from spiraling into further chaos. It’s almost as if some people didn’t get the memo that laws are, you know, laws. Over 118 individuals living illegally within our borders were taken into custody by DHS this week. Still, the streets echo with the cries of dissenters eager to shout over the clamor of reality.

Now, imagine this: radical speakers at a rally urging their followers to remake institutions and hand out amnesty like it’s the opening of Oprah’s favorite things episode. But hold on a minute, wasn’t there a little item in the Constitution about borders and sovereignty? If playing hopscotch with legal boundaries is the new norm, one might need to rethink what role law enforcement plays in this narrative. Mayor Karen Bass, however, might beg to differ. Her unwavering support for all ‘Angelenos’ regardless of status seemingly glosses over the discomforting illegal part. But who needs laws anyway when slogans and hashtags can do the trick?

However, one must pause and reflect on Governor Gavin Newsom’s latest theory that it’s somehow President Trump’s fault that we’ve got families in a tight spot. Who knew that enforcing federal laws would be such a radical move? For those keeping score, this is the same Playbook where ‘You Get Blamed, They Get Amnesty’ is a cherished chapter. Apparently, echoing absurdities with just a sprinkle of blame over previous administrations is the way of the land. One wonders if focusing more on maintaining civil order rather than chaotic endorsement of protests might actually, you know, help.

ICE isn’t backing down, which, knowing their track record, really shouldn’t surprise anyone. In the face of threats, assaults, and demands that they unmask agents, ICE stands firm. And while the curtain lifts on this riotous drama, elected officials and protestors continue to dust the flames of resistance. Perhaps they forgot that public safety should usually rank a bit higher than pandering to the fringes when running a city. For now, ICE soldiers on, arresting criminals and making cities safer, one operation at a time, sans any apology and with a delightful lack of irony. Bravo!