Comedian and activist D.L. Hughley is voicing strong support for protesters clashing with law enforcement over immigration raids in Los Angeles — boldly comparing their actions to Rosa Parks‘ legendary defiance.
Appearing on TMZ Live, Hughley didn’t mince words when speaking on the rising tensions in L.A., where ICE enforcement raids and military-style responses have sparked widespread unrest.
✊ “Sometimes You Gotta Break the Law to Fix the Law”
D.L. channeled the spirit of the civil rights movement, reminding viewers that many of the freedoms Americans enjoy today were born from disobedience, not silence.
“If Rosa Parks hadn’t broken the law, we wouldn’t be talking about her now,” he said. “Sometimes you have to disrupt the system to change it.”
???? Protests vs. Military Power: “There’s More Force in Home Depot Parking Lots Than in Afghanistan”
Taking aim at the heavily militarized law enforcement presence, Hughley blasted what he sees as an excessive show of force from city officials. He joked — with a sharp edge — that there are “more troops stationed at Home Depot parking lots than there are overseas.”
“If you bring that kind of muscle to intimidate people,” he warned, “expect that kind of resistance in return.”
Mandela, Parks, and the Price of Protest
When TMZ’s Harvey Levin invoked Nelson Mandela — noting how his influence grew after his imprisonment — D.L. didn’t flinch.
“He did 30 years. But we [Black and Brown people] have done enough time already. We don’t need more punishment to prove our worth,” Hughley responded.
He emphasized that historically marginalized groups have carried the weight of systemic oppression for too long — and now is a time for bold, even uncomfortable action.
Curfews, Raids, and Civil Unrest in L.A.
Tensions have reached a boiling point in Los Angeles after a wave of ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants. The city’s response — curfews and military-like enforcement — has only fueled public outrage.
Protesters, many chanting “No Kings”, have taken to the streets demanding a halt to what they call unjust and inhumane crackdowns on immigrant communities.
????️ D.L.’s Message: “We’re Morally Bankrupt — So We Need Radical Change”
“We are living in morally bankrupt times,” D.L. declared. “And you don’t fix that with silence or obedience. You fix that with discomfort — with protest — with risk.”
He ended the interview by calling for sustained action and solidarity across all communities who believe in justice, equality, and compassion for those caught in the system.
???? Catch the Full Interview
Watch the full clip on TMZ Live, and tune into The DL Hughley Show for more of his no-holds-barred commentary on America’s political and cultural state.
