LWVC Condemns the Use of Force Against Peaceful Protestors and Calls for Accountability
Posted 1.20.26
The League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) strongly condemns the recent and escalating use of force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal authorities against protestors in Minnesota, California, Oregon, and across the country. These actions represent a disturbing abuse of federal power and a direct threat to the constitutional rights of free speech, peaceful assembly, and due process.
Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. The use of intimidation, militarized tactics, and physical force against individuals exercising these rights is unacceptable and incompatible with democratic values. As the League of Women Voters of the United States has made clear, federal law enforcement must not be weaponized to silence dissent or suppress civic engagement. We echo the national League’s call for Congress to launch an immediate and independent investigation into a series of recent use-of-force incidents involving federal immigration enforcement personnel.
Making Your Voice Heard
We are deeply grateful to the many LWVC members and partners who showed up last weekend—peacefully, courageously, and in solidarity—as part of the “ICE Out for Good” protests. These demonstrations honor the life of Renee Good, demand accountability, and expose the real and devastating human cost of intimidation, detention, and terror inflicted on immigrant communities. Your presence matters. Your voices matter. The League stands with you.
Looking to get further involved in the fight for democracy? Join the League’s Unite & Rise campaign! The Unite & Rise 8.5 initiative aims to mobilize 8.5 million voters using the power of voter engagement as a cornerstone of our democracy. We need you to be a part of this movement and help us grow this network of 8.5 million people who commit to defend our democracy.
Calling on Congress to Investigate ICE’s Use of Force
The League of Women Voters of California urges Congress to immediately investigate ICE’s use of force, deployment tactics, and potential violations of civil and constitutional rights. Oversight is not optional—it is a fundamental responsibility. We encourage all members and supporters to contact their members of Congress and demand:
- A full and transparent congressional investigation into ICE’s conduct;
- Accountability for any violations of civil rights or misuse of federal authority; and
- Immediate steps to ensure federal agencies respect constitutional protections and democratic norms.
The League of Women Voters has joined with leading civil rights organizations, including LULAC and Common Cause, in calling on Congress to act decisively. You can read more about that call to action. We also reiterate and encourage you to review the League of Women Voters’ 2025 statement condemning the use of federal force against peaceful protestors.
Accountability and Protection Efforts in California
Here in California, LWVC is actively reviewing new legislation introduced this week that proposes multiple strategies to hold ICE accountable for its actions within our state. These proposals reflect growing recognition that state-level action is essential to protect residents, uphold civil liberties, and establish meaningful guardrails on federal enforcement practices. We will continue to analyze these bills closely, engage with lawmakers, and keep our members informed about opportunities to advocate for policies that protect communities and strengthen democratic oversight.
We also applaud the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for its unanimous motion this week directing county attorneys to draft an ordinance that would create “ICE-free zones” on county-owned property, thereby preventing federal immigration enforcement agencies from staging or operating on that property. These efforts are a meaningful step toward protecting public spaces and upholding community safety in the face of escalating ICE activity.
Know Your Rights and Community Resources
Unfortunately, the need for accurate information and rapid response support remains urgent. We encourage all members and community allies to revisit our previously published resources on Know Your Rights information and California-based rapid response networks, which continue to be highly relevant as ICE activity escalates. Sharing this information widely can help keep individuals and families safer and better prepared during encounters with immigration enforcement.
Protesting Safely: A Few Important Reminders
- If you choose to participate in protests or demonstrations, we encourage everyone to prioritize safety and preparation:
- Attend protests peacefully and follow guidance from trusted organizers.
- Know your rights, including your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel.
- Bring essential items only; avoid carrying unnecessary personal information.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and have a plan to leave safely if conditions escalate.
- Look out for one another—community care is a powerful form of resistance.
We See You, and We Are Here With You
We recognize that this is a hard, frightening, and in many ways unprecedented moment in our country. Many people are experiencing fear, grief, anger, and exhaustion all at once. The League of Women Voters of California sees you and stands with you. Please take care of yourselves and one another. If there is any way we can help, support, or uplift advocacy efforts happening in your local community, we encourage you to reach out to us at lwvc [at] lwvc.org.
Together, we will continue to defend democracy, protect civil liberties, and work toward a future rooted in dignity, accountability, and justice for all.