This weekend, anti-ICE protests erupted across Los Angeles, California, following a major immigration enforcement operation. At least 44 people were arrested during an ICE raid on Friday. According to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, “ICE initiated enforcement actions on several workplaces. That created a sense of chaos, outrage, fear, and terror because people are very worried as to what happened to their families.”
In response to the growing unrest, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles on Saturday evening. He used Truth Social to place blame on Democratic leadership, stating the federal government would solve the problem “the way it should be solved.”
Amid the clash between protesters and authorities, one moment stood out—and quickly went viral online.
“Tasted Like Fascism”
A CBS News reporter approached a protester who had just been caught in tear gas. “You told me you got caught up in the tear gas as well. Describe what happened to you,” the reporter asked.
The protester replied:
“Oh, just uh, tasted a little tear gas.”
“Tasted like fascism.”
Then, with a deadpan stare, they looked directly into the camera.
The internet took it from there.
“This guy fucking rocks,” one person commented.
“This is the most American statement I’ve ever heard,” another wrote.
“Tasted a little tear gas— tasted like fascism” @Acyn
— The Intellectualist (@highbrow_nobrow) June 8, 2025
pic.twitter.com/T7tWMObnty
Tension Mounts in Los Angeles
The protests were triggered by outrage over ICE’s workplace raids and the fear rippling through immigrant communities. The sudden appearance of the National Guard intensified public anger. Mayor Bass acknowledged the impact, saying ICE’s actions “created a sense of chaos, outrage, fear, and terror.”
Meanwhile, the viral moment of the protester’s three-word phrase—“tasted like fascism”—has become a rallying cry across social media, encapsulating the defiance and frustration of those demonstrating against the immigration raids.
“Let us know in the comments below,” the article concludes, reflecting the ongoing public debate.
The Internet Responds
As clips from the protest continue to circulate, the now-iconic quote has been reshared across platforms. Protesters, commentators, and users alike are elevating the moment as a symbol of resistance and political commentary wrapped in one powerful sentence.
“Tasted like fascism.”
Three words, and a viral legacy.
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Sourece: buzzfeed