The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly reprimanded Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) for what officials described as misleading statements about the recent unrest in Los Angeles and her attempts to breach a federal detention center to visit a detained union leader.
The confrontation between Waters and National Guard personnel guarding the facility has drawn sharp criticism from DHS, highlighting concerns over safety and the ongoing violence in the city.
Over the weekend, Waters approached a group of National Guardsmen who were securing an entrance to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center.
The guardsmen were positioned behind a plywood-reinforced door, temporarily restricting access to protect detainees and law enforcement officers.
Waters announced herself by saying, “Hello, hello, hello — I’m Congresswoman Waters,” but was directed to contact “public affairs” and denied entry as the door was promptly closed.
Tricia McLaughlin, DHS spokesperson, told Fox News on Monday, “The safety and security of DHS personnel, ICE agents, and those in our custody remain our top priority.”
She emphasized that the restricted access was necessary to maintain order amid the volatile situation in Los Angeles.
The official also criticized Waters for verbally confronting heavily armed National Guard troops on the street, where