LOS ANGELES — Amid a weekend of protest, fear, and federal response, a brief but powerful moment from an anti-ICE demonstration in Los Angeles has captured national attention.
A protester’s dry, three-word reaction to being tear-gassed has gone viral, becoming both a meme and a symbol of defiance.
The protests erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out coordinated raids across Los Angeles on Friday, reportedly arresting at least 44 individuals.
The operation, focused on workplace enforcement, left many residents stunned and fearful for the safety of their families.
ICE Raids Spark Chaos and a Federal Response
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told reporters at a press conference.
“ICE initiated enforcement actions on several workplaces, which created a sense of chaos, outrage, fear, and terror because people are very worried as to what happened to their families.”
The backlash was swift. Protests broke out across multiple neighborhoods in L.A., with community members and activists demanding answers and denouncing what they described as an inhumane immigration policy.
By Saturday night, the situation had escalated significantly. President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the city, citing the need to “restore order.”
Posting on Truth Social, Trump blamed Democratic leaders for the unrest and vowed that the federal government would step in to fix the situation
“the way it should be solved.”
The move is historically significant—it marks the first time since the 1992 Rodney King riots that a sitting U.S. president has federalized California’s National Guard to intervene in civil unrest.
“Tasted Like Fascism”: One Protester’s Viral Moment
As tensions ran high and law enforcement deployed tear gas on protestors, one moment stood out—and quickly made its way around the internet.
During a live interview with CBS News, a protester who had been caught in the tear gas was asked what the experience was like.
“Oh, just uh, tasted a little tear gas,”
they replied nonchalantly. After a brief pause, they stared into the camera and added:
“Tasted like fascism.”
The clip immediately went viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. It struck a nerve with viewers across the political spectrum.
one user wrote:
“This guy fucking rocks,”
another added:
“This is the most American statement I’ve ever heard,”
And of course, the internet’s unofficial badge of honor followed:
“Put this on a t-shirt.”
For many, the quote perfectly captured the absurdity and frustration of the moment—equal parts protest, survival, and gallows humor. It has already inspired memes, fan art, and yes, actual t-shirt designs.
In a weekend marked by federal force and community fear, the brief but potent line — “tasted like fascism” — has become a defining soundbite, reminding people that even amid repression, protest lives on in words, symbols, and viral moments.