The Democrats have their backs against the wall. They’re doing whatever they can to get out.
And now a Democrat U.S. Senator bafflingly posted a video online that instantly landed them in trouble.
California Senator Alex Padilla, in a video recorded in Boyle Heights, unintentionally highlighted the impact of intensified deportation efforts under President Donald Trump, noting a significant decline in local street activity in Los Angeles. With Trump’s aggressive policies targeting illegal immigrants, deportations have surged in sanctuary cities such as Los Angeles. In his video from Boyle Heights, a culturally rich neighborhood in Los Angeles County, Padilla observed that local businesses, particularly restaurants, have experienced a sharp drop in customers since deportations escalated in June.
“Hi, this is Senator Alex Padilla here in Boyle Heights, just outside of downtown Los Angeles, in one of LA’s most iconic, historic, and vibrant neighborhoods, typically. But ever since Trump’s ICE raids really began in earnest in early June, you’ve seen not just a drop in foot traffic, pedestrian activity here in the community, but all the business owners here have seen a significant drop in business,” Padilla said. “A lot of the customers are too afraid to come out and shop, too afraid to come out and eat, like at La Chispa de Oro here in Boyle Heights.”
“So for folks who are wondering what they can do to push back, what they can do to counter this Trump crackdown, you can protest with your wallet. Come support a small business, immigrant-owned business in these diverse communities as part of our pushback,” Padilla added.
In early June, protests erupted in downtown Los Angeles as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted widespread arrests across the county. These demonstrations quickly escalated into violent riots, resulting in burning vehicles, damaged police property, and vandalism near federal buildings.
Despite the significant damage to the city, California Democrats have consistently opposed the Trump administration’s deportation policies. On June 12, Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference while attempting to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Democrats’ Loss in the Immigration Debate
The immigration debate has become a defining issue in American politics, and recent developments suggest that Democrats have lost significant ground to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. The narrative has shifted decisively in favor of stricter immigration enforcement, with Trump’s policies resonating with a growing segment of the electorate. This shift is evident in public sentiment, policy outcomes, and the Democrats’ struggle to present a cohesive counterargument.
Trump’s aggressive deportation initiatives, particularly in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, have dominated headlines and shaped public perception. The Biden administration’s earlier attempts to reverse Trump-era immigration policies, such as ending the “Remain in Mexico” program and halting border wall construction, were met with criticism as border crossings surged.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data from 2023, apprehensions of migrants at the southern border reached over 2.5 million, a record high that fueled Republican narratives of a border crisis. Democrats, historically advocates for comprehensive immigration reform and protections for undocumented immigrants, have struggled to respond effectively. Their messaging often emphasizes humanitarian concerns, but this has been overshadowed by Republican framing of immigration as a national security and economic issue.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric, which links illegal immigration to crime and job competition, has gained traction, particularly among working-class voters. A 2024 Gallup poll found that 55% of Americans want immigration levels reduced, a significant increase from a decade ago, indicating a shift in public opinion that aligns with Republican talking points.
The Democrats’ sanctuary city policies, intended to protect immigrant communities, have backfired in some instances. In Los Angeles, as Senator Padilla’s video inadvertently demonstrated, heightened deportation efforts have led to fear and reduced economic activity in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. This outcome has allowed Republicans to argue that such policies harm local economies while failing to address illegal immigration effectively. The unrest in Los Angeles, marked by riots and vandalism, further amplified Republican claims that lax immigration policies contribute to public disorder.
Democratic leaders have also faced challenges in maintaining party unity on immigration. While progressive factions push for decriminalizing border crossings and expanding protections for undocumented immigrants, moderate Democrats in swing districts face pressure from constituents concerned about border security. This division has weakened the party’s ability to craft a unified message. In contrast, Trump’s straightforward stance—emphasizing deportations and border enforcement—has provided Republicans with a clear, consistent narrative.
The media landscape has further tilted the debate in Trump’s favor. High-profile incidents, such as crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, are often amplified by conservative outlets, creating a perception of widespread danger. A 2025 report from the Center for Immigration Studies highlighted cases where local law enforcement’s refusal to cooperate with ICE led to the release of individuals who later committed serious crimes. These stories have bolstered Republican arguments for stricter enforcement, while Democrats’ defenses of sanctuary policies struggle to gain similar traction.
Policy setbacks have compounded Democratic challenges. The failure of comprehensive immigration reform bills, such as the DREAM Act, and legal challenges to programs like DACA have left Democrats with few legislative victories to point to. Meanwhile, Trump’s executive actions, including expanded deportation operations, have delivered tangible results for his base. The Department of Homeland Security reported in 2025 that ICE detained over 300,000 individuals in the first half of the year, a pace exceeding previous administrations.
Public protests and incidents like Padilla’s removal from the press conference have also painted Democrats as reactive rather than proactive. These moments, widely covered by media, portray Democrats as struggling to maintain control of the narrative. In contrast, Republican leaders like Kristi Noem have capitalized on these events to project strength and decisiveness, further solidifying their party’s position.
The economic argument, often a Democratic strength, has also been co-opted by Republicans. Trump has emphasized the strain on public resources caused by illegal immigration, citing costs for housing, healthcare, and education. A 2024 Federation for American Immigration Reform study estimated that illegal immigration costs taxpayers $150 billion annually, a figure frequently referenced in Republican campaigns. Democrats’ attempts to highlight immigrants’ economic contributions have been drowned out by these claims.
