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Kim Kardashian has taken a public stance against what she described as the "inhumane" actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as tensions continue to rise in Los Angeles following a wave of immigration raids and subsequent protests.
Protests broke out on June 6 when federal agents conducted operations in Los Angeles' garment district, targeting supposed undocumented immigrant laborers, in a story familiar across the United States of people being taken from the streets.
Part of a wider strategy from the Donald Trump istration, focused on workplace raids, sparked immediate backlash and First Amendment demonstrations throughout the city as people reacted with anger and horror at the actions, including Kim K.
In a series of Instagram Stories posted Tuesday, the reality star and business mogul criticized the agency for targeting families during the Trump istration's renewed focus on workplace immigration enforcement.
"When we're told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals - great," Kardashian wrote. "But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what's right."
The 44-year-old, who was raised in Los Angeles and is of Armenian descent, a heritage shaped by generations of fleeing persecution and genocide, emphasized the essential role immigrant communities play in the life of her city.
"They are our neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family," Kardashian continued. "No matter where you fall politically, it's clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants.
"We can't turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely. There HAS to be a BETTER way."
Many of the protests remained peaceful, but some evolved into rioting and Trump ordered the deployment of 4000 National Guard and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response, something California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, has filed an emergency motion in federal court to block.
Unarmed woman shot by LAPD trying to enter her apartment
Public outrage intensified after videos surfaced online appearing to show Los Angeles Police Department officers using excessive force unprovoked against female civilians, who appear unarmed.
Firstly, an Australian journalist named Lauren Tomasi, of Nine News, was struck in the leg by a rubber bullet while covering the protests in a live news segment, as an officer clearly takes aim at her despite the reporter facing away from him and presenting no threatening behaviour.
Then a second video showed officers firing a "less lethal" round at close range at an unarmed woman walking near her home, who was trying to access her own apartment, and slowly approached the police line.
Witnesses, who rushed to provide immediate aid, and footage confirmed that the woman was alone and unarmed; and she can be heard saying, "I live here," as she staggers from the impact.
"Less lethal" weapons such as rubber bullets, sponge rounds, and pepper balls are commonly used to disperse crowds during protests in the USA, but they have caused serious injuries and deaths in the past.