Staff Reports
In a scene straight out of a political drama, California Congressman Kevin Kiley has called out Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom for what he sees as their irresponsible comments regarding recent ICE raids. The congressman stressed that these targeted immigration enforcement actions are nothing new. For years, under various administrations, ICE has been carrying out operations to apprehend individuals with criminal convictions or existing deportation orders. Yet, it seems some politicians are keen on portraying these raids as something unprecedented and sinister.
Kiley is not mincing words when he suggests that the solution lies in California ceasing to be a sanctuary state. He argues that if the state were to stop shielding certain individuals from federal immigration authorities, ICE could operate more effectively and safely. Instead of creating a welcoming haven for those skirting the law, Kiley believes that returning to cooperative practices will make the community safer. But with California continuing its sanctuary city stance, chaos seems inevitable, with local officials loudly decrying ICE’s operations while they remain unwilling to assist in the apprehension of those evading the law.
The congressman paints a picture of ICE’s enforcement as a necessary act to maintain public safety. He is frustrated by protesters who actively interfere with ICE’s attempts to carry out their duties. Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising aspect of this situation is the notion that the mayor and governor appear to be giving their implicit support to these demonstrators. For Kiley, the scenery unfolding in Los Angeles is a direct result of reckless governance and choices made by local leaders.
Switching gears, the conversation about education is heating up as well. Kiley highlights concerns regarding the ongoing situation at Harvard University. In the wake of alarming reports surrounding anti-Semitism and harassment on campus, the Biden administration is taking action, pushing for reforms that prioritize student safety. Kiley finds it appropriate for the government to apply pressure where it’s needed. He describes the atmosphere for Jewish students at Harvard as chilling, with many feeling unsafe even in their dorms amid the growing hostility.
As this battle for reform at top universities unfolds, Kiley points to a bigger issue plaguing educational institutions across the country: screen time. There’s a growing concern about how much time children are spending glued to screens. Current statistics show alarming trends, with children under two spending an hour and two minutes on devices each day. Meanwhile, older children are averaging nearly three and a half hours daily. Kiley believes that these habits are rewiring young minds and leading to various health issues and distractions in the classroom. He hopes that by convening a hearing focused on this problem, schools can begin to find solutions that work for students, teachers, and parents alike.
With shifts like limiting phone use in schools already taking place across a dozen states, including California and Virginia, Kiley’s optimism might resonate with many who are wary of the current trends. The congressman is on a mission to restore sanity in a system that seems increasingly out of touch. As the discussions continue in Congress and local government, it seems the battle lines have been drawn—whether regarding immigration enforcement or the navigation of modern-day education challenges, the dialogue is heating up, and Kiley is determined to have his voice heard.
