Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, Chairman of Vernon Township Republicans, said that President Trump was justified in restoring order amid the violent migrant riots that erupted in Los Angeles over the weekend. Swidler made his statement to Lake County Gazette.

"The unrest in Los Angeles was not a protest, but a full-blown riot — and President Trump acted decisively where state leaders failed," said Swidler. "ICE agents were targeted, property was defaced, and police officers were put at risk. Gavin Newsom ignored the reality on the ground and continued to defend policies that embolden lawlessness. The President stepped in not to escalate tensions, but to prevent further bloodshed and destruction."

According to the New York Post, 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 these lawless riots only strengthen their 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 what he termed a "Migrant Invasion" and put an end to 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 centered around ICE’s presence and operations in Los Angeles.

Swidler is a resident of Buffalo Grove who was first elected as Chairman of Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. According to the organization’s website, he is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating its positions on issues important to Vernon Township voters.