Jay Block, a state senator from New Mexico, expressed concerns on the social media platform X, stating that Democrats are prioritizing violent protesters and undocumented immigrants over law enforcement amid escalating unrest.
"Democrats support the violent demonstrators protecting illegal violent murderers and rapist immigrants over law enforcement trying to make our streets safer for us," said Jay C Block, New Mexico State Senator from 12th District (R). "90/10 issue."
In June 2025, Los Angeles experienced a surge of protests following coordinated raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in downtown areas and nearby neighborhoods. Demonstrators gathered near federal detention centers and Freeway 101, obstructing traffic and engaging in confrontations with law enforcement, which included the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), federal agents, and 2,000 National Guard troops deployed by presidential order. Officials resorted to using tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs after protesters set autonomous vehicles on fire and threw projectiles. According to Reuters and CBS News, this confrontation underscored significant tensions regarding federal immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities.
Anti-ICE protests have been increasing in major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco throughout early 2025. The Associated Press reported that demonstrations in Los Angeles resulted in over 45 arrests related to road blockages, vandalism, and clashes with federal agents. Reuters highlighted similar unrest in San Francisco where police detained 60 individuals during protests against ICE operations. These incidents illustrate an escalation in protest tactics and corresponding enforcement responses.
National polling data from 2025 reveals a divided American public on the issue of immigration enforcement versus protest actions. A Marquette Law School poll conducted in May indicated that between 38% to 44% of respondents support deportations while 56% to 62% oppose them. A Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 48% of participants viewed government arrests of undocumented individuals as excessively forceful, whereas 42% disagreed. Furthermore, 55% supported the right to due process for suspected undocumented individuals.
Jay C. Block has been serving as a Republican state senator representing New Mexico’s 12th District since January 2025 after winning the election on November 5, 2024. Before his tenure in the Senate, he worked as a consultant and has outlined priorities such as securing the southern border, addressing fentanyl trafficking, and supporting law enforcement according to his campaign website. Ballotpedia corroborates his term dates and party affiliation.
