The constitutional violations we witnessed in Portland during 2020 have not only persisted but escalated dramatically in 2025, as President Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles streets in response to immigration enforcement protests. What began as peaceful demonstrations against ICE raids on June 6 has now become a constitutional crisis, with federal military forces patrolling civilian streets without state consent—something not seen since Alabama’s civil rights era in 1965. California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed federal lawsuits challenging this unprecedented “power grab.” At the same time, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass cautions other city mayors that Los Angeles is a beta “test case” for federal control over local authorities.

The Marines have already made their first civilian detention using zip ties. At the same time, Major General Scott Sherman claims troops “will not participate in law enforcement activities”—a distinction that grows thinner by the day. As we witness split-screen images of U.S. troops on American streets in both Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., the “new normal” of constitutional violations that emerged during the first Trump administration has returned with unprecedented federal military force. The constitutional education we advocated for in 2021—urging Americans to “read your constitution, know your rights”—has never been more critical as we watch federal power override state authority in real-time.

What we documented in Portland was merely a preview of the constitutional crisis now unfolding in Los Angeles, where the fundamental balance between federal authority and civilian governance hangs in the balance.

Watch this video closely, first for the peaceful wall of non-violent mothers, next to the US Navy Vet’s nonviolent attempt to talk with the Federal Agents. Watch the Federal Agent (see U.S. Marshall) response to both forms of non-violent protest. Does this look like sound law enforcement practice to you? Do these Federal Agents have training in law enforcement? Are the Federal Agents maintaining peace or fomenting chaos (see intentional). Does this worry you?  If so what is the best way to protest?   Do we peacefully gather with like minded souls to march together with signs that document our concerns?

I would argue that each and every soul who plans to protest do so peacefully, and only after reading our constitution, have knowledge of your constitutional rights and be prepared for agitators to both your constitutional freedoms and your peaceful message.  Remember that a right comes with a responsibility.

Ask yourself who has the most to gain from our apparent Right/Left political divide? Consider how much Americans have in common when we think like Americans with the full interest of preserving our precious constitutional Republic.

Consider economic disparity rather than Right or left. Think of the great common interest of the broad coalition of non -1% Americans (see Vox-populi). Andrew Yang has some great insight on this important topic. Think of the numerous examples of  “1 percenters” and or mass affluent individuals who have an innate or survival interest in greater economic fairness and less strident socio-economic  divide.

Veteran Speaks Out After Attack By Federal Agents In Portland

U.S. Navy veteran Chris David was so disturbed by the images of federal agents attacking unarmed protesters that he decided to visit the protests himself. But he soon became a victim of one of those brutal attacks. Aired on 7/20/2020.

Federal clashes with Portland protesters raises legal questions about the use of force

A Navy vet says he was attacked by U.S. marshals when he tried to speak to them. Lawmakers and civil rights lawyers have expressed concern about the agents’ violent clashes with protesters