In June 2025, protests erupted in Los Angeles against federal actions aimed at immigrants, with the government employing aggressive tactics to control the crowds. President Trump's decision to federalize the National Guard and potential military action only escalated tensions. Activists draw inspiration from historical figures like Mike Davis, emphasizing the importance of public protests against oppressive measures. Davis's insights remind current activists to reclaim public spaces and resist governmental overreach, underscoring that nonviolent protests are essential to safeguarding civil liberties and fostering political change.
The late Mike Davis, the historian, activist, and keeper of all truths about L.A., was still writing and giving interviews as he was dying. It was during the worst of the pandemic. He worried that fascism was setting in because people on the left had sheltered in place, done what they were told, retreated into Zoom and abandoned the public square.
They have come for immigrants, as they always said they would. Tackling day laborers at Home Depot, but also seizing whoever, wherever. Workers, students, shoppers, tourists, parents, and little children have been abducted from schools, homes, restaurants, construction sites, and courthouses.
We've all seen something, so now let's say something and - more important- do something. Do like the Californians, who are flooding the streets to tell the Trump administration and ICE: Hell no. Get out.
Nonviolent public protests are our sword and shield. We need to use them. Davis, who wrote about L.A.'s history from the bottom up, saw its future as well as anyone.
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