Peoria Standard

Jim Rule, Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans, said that President Trump was justified in restoring order during the violent migrant riots that occurred in Los Angeles over the weekend. Rule made this statement to the Peoria Standard.

"With Los Angeles descending into violence, President Trump took the necessary step of sending in the National Guard," said Rule. "The situation was dangerous, with mobs confronting law enforcement and vandalizing public infrastructure. Governor Newsom's refusal to enforce the law only made things worse. Without federal action, the city would have remained hostage to chaos and mob rule."

According to The New York Post, protests in Los Angeles escalated into violent riots as a 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 responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs to disperse crowds, resulting in at least 27 arrests but not completely ending the unrest. In response, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. This marked the first federal military deployment in California since 1965. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned this action and announced plans to sue the administration.

In a June 8 post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said that "these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve." He directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to take necessary actions "to liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion" and restore order.

Fox News reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) urged Democrats to reduce anti-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 described recent assaults as "despicable," noting a significant increase in attacks on agents. She accused sanctuary city leaders of encouraging violence like the protests centered around ICE’s presence in L.A.

Rule is a resident of Morton who was first elected as Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans in 2018. According to the organization’s website, he is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating party positions on issues important to Tazewell County voters.