Senator Padilla’s Comments on Deportations in Los Angeles

California Senator Alex Padilla recently seemed to suggest that mass deportations are causing a decline in pedestrian activity in Los Angeles. This remark arose from a video he shared on his X account, filmed in Boyle Heights.

With President Trump’s strong measures against illegal immigration, deportations have notably increased in sanctuary cities, including Los Angeles. In his video, which was posted on Saturday, Padilla pointed out that since deportations ramped up in June, fewer people have been seen walking around, and local restaurants are feeling the effects.

In his words, “Hello, this is Sen. Alex Padilla of Boyle Heights, just outside downtown Los Angeles. It’s one of the most iconic, historic, and vibrant areas, usually buzzing with activity. Many customers are too afraid to come out and shop.”

He also encouraged viewers, saying, “For those wondering how they can respond to this crackdown by Trump, consider protesting with your wallet. Support small and medium-sized immigrant-owned businesses in these diverse communities as part of our pushback.”

Earlier in June, protests erupted in downtown Los Angeles, which quickly escalated into riots, resulting in fires and vandalism around federal buildings. Despite the disruption, Democrats in California continue to resist the Trump administration’s deportation policies. On June 12, Padilla faced a situation where he was removed from a press conference while attempting to question Homeland Security Secretary Christie Norm.