The anti-ICE protest in California continues to escalate, with President Trump deploying the National Guard. However, one protester on the ground attempted to reason with the military force, saying that they are on the wrong side of history. In a viral video posted on Reddit, the unidentified protester delivered a heartfelt speech to the National Guard, who stood dressed in their full army fatigues, armed.
Unafraid of their weapons, the man told members of the National Guard that although he understands they have a job to do, they also “took an oath to the Constitution, not to the fascists of the White House.”
Dressed in a black hooded sweater and a cap, he pleaded his case, saying, “Think about what you’re doing now. Think about what this means.” He pointed out that they were coming into their peaceful community dressed in military fatigues and carrying weapons of war when they should be fighting with them. “And you stand here and you allow it. I’m sick and tired of it,” he passionately declared.
The protester added that those in power don’t care about members National Guard. “Do you think any of these people in the White House sending you these commands give a f*ck about you?” he questioned. “Not one of them do. They laugh at you. Our president laughs at you. He calls you fools.“
The military officers did not respond, but stood silently in front of their military trucks as he continued to speak. He further tried to urge them to think about the future of their kids, if they had any. “Ask yourself the future you want for your children. Is it this?” He concluded by saying that it was his community, and he and other protesters would fight for it if they had to.
The video went viral online, and several social media users reacted to it, praising the protester for his courageous words.
“This guy’s words are powerful and moving. The fact that he can be so eloquent when obviously so angry is remarkable. This is what a hero looks like, because it takes courage to speak the truth to power.”
Another user commented, “I can feel the pain and anger in his voice. Thank you, man we don’t know, for speaking!” A third Redditor shared the protester’s sentiment, writing:
“It’s true. Those men don’t matter to the President. He does think they are fools. So many people are on the wrong side of history right now. We shouldn’t even be in this position. My heart breaks for this country.”
Interestingly, several law enforcement veterans camped in the comment section, voicing their support for the protester.
A 15-year army combat veteran wrote: “This man, whomever he is, has more courage, bravery, and patriotism than every single soldier in uniform here.”
Another USAF veteran pointed out that the man was “speaking the absolute truth!” He further urged his fellow law enforcement officers to remember their oath to defend the country against foreign and domestic enemies. “Trump’s orders are not constitutional. Do not follow them. Do not betray your country.”
