January 1, Media Panic Over ICE Falls Flat in LA

Wyatt’s Take

• The media tells a story of fear and chaos, but reality looks calmer for everyday folks.
• Despite claims of widespread panic, most people in Los Angeles are just living their daily lives.
• Much of the outrage and hysteria seems to be a show for news cameras, not the real world.

News stories love to push drama, especially when it comes to immigration and law enforcement. But what’s happening on the ground in Los Angeles paints a different picture.

While headlines scream about terrified families hiding from ICE, the city’s diverse neighborhoods show people carrying on like always. Folks dine together, festival crowds enjoy themselves, and nobody appears gripped by the panic shown in news photos.

Even during a protest near federal buildings, life outside the police line didn’t skip a beat. Regulars lined up for ramen in Little Tokyo, Latino families danced in the park, and Chinatown was bustling with celebrations.

“ICE just drove by. They came and arrested somebody. Nobody blew whistles, nobody boxed them in, and most importantly, nobody got hurt. You ever notice how they leave you alone if you leave them alone?”

So-called riots ended where yellow tape met the sidewalk, with most protesters keeping their distance from law enforcement who had things well under control. Even a vintage car parked close by stayed safe, showing how mild things really were.

The national media tries to turn local events into sweeping crises, claiming each incident is a turning point. But most Americans aren’t following the script. Google search trends prove people are moving on while media and activists keep sounding alarms.

Big stories about ICE might grab attention, but for regular folks just trying to get by, these panics fall flat—real life is steady, not hysterical.

Wyatt Matters

The voices on TV don’t always match what’s really happening for working people. Middle America knows better than to buy into hyped-up stories—they care about honest truths, not made-for-TV drama.

Read more here