Taking Power: How L.A.'s Uprising Could Shape Kansas City's Destiny

Los Angeles stands at a volatile crossroads—both socially and politically. Following militarized ICE raids and alarming kidnappings on June 6th, the city experiences escalating chaos. Approximately 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines now patrol critical areas. This situation reflects state aggression against civilians, as articulated by movement attorney Kamau Franklin, highlighting a systemic police state utilizing various agencies against the populace.Recent raids in Boyle Heights and beyond deployed heavy machinery and forceful tactics reminiscent of wartime strategies. Amid this strife, communities are rising in unity; beloved figures like union leader David Huerta's abduction sparked immediate solidarity actions across sectors. Meanwhile, CoreCivic’s plans to reopen Leavenworth as an ICE camp epitomize a national crisis. This turmoil resonates deeply within the Black community—who face uniquely heightened threats. The courage displayed in L.A. serves as a powerful reminder for Kansas City: resistance is imminent, urging all to engage and protect their neighborhoods from looming oppression.