Washington, D.C. – In a fiery televised showdown now going viral across social media, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt found herself locked in a heated on-air confrontation with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins over a classified memo — a memo that allegedly grants U.S. military forces the authority to temporarily detain protestors during ICE operations in Los Angeles.
BACKGROUND: TROOPS ON THE GROUND, RIGHTS ON THE LINE
The controversy erupted after National Guard and Marine units were deployed to assist ICE in response to growing public protests. Tensions reached a boiling point when a leaked memo revealed plans to allow these troops to “detain” civilians — a role traditionally reserved for civilian law enforcement.
THE SHOWDOWN
During a tense CNN primetime interview, Kaitlan Collins opened with a hard-hitting question:
“Does this memo authorize the military to disperse and detain American citizens on U.S. soil?”
Leavitt responded firmly:
“Absolutely not. The military’s role is to support law and order — not replace civilian agencies.”
But Collins didn’t let go. When Leavitt cited the President’s directive that troops were there to “protect federal property and personnel,” Collins zeroed in on the real issue — the blurred legal lines between assistance and authority.
COLLINS’ PRESSURE COOKER
Pressing harder, Collins asked:
“If this isn’t arrest authority, what exactly is it? Can soldiers physically remove civilians from the street?”
Leavitt maintained: “This isn’t about prosecution. These are short-term safety measures.” But CNN followed up with a chilling revelation: Major General Sherman had already confirmed that troops were, in fact, allowed to temporarily detain civilians until police arrived.
The contradiction was undeniable.
Watch below:
PUBLIC REACTION & POLITICAL WAVES
While Leavitt attempted to downplay the implications — emphasizing “no live ammo, no riot gear” — state leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass publicly condemned the memo, calling it an unconstitutional use of military power against peaceful protesters.
Several other states are now reviewing whether to challenge federal actions in court.
SUMMARY TABLE
| Key Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Interview Goal | To determine whether the federal government is militarizing civil protest response. |
| Collins’ Advantage | Relentless focus on “detention” and civil rights under U.S. law. |
| White House Strategy | Shift attention to federal property protection and safety optics. |
| Public Fallout | Legal threats from states, heavy media debate, concerns over civil liberties. |
EDITORIAL TAKEAWAY
This wasn’t just a policy debate — it was a direct challenge to the limits of American democracy. When Kaitlan Collins asked the question millions were thinking, the answer — or lack thereof — raised alarm bells from coast to coast.
Leavitt’s reassurances fell flat in the face of military confirmation. And for many, that memo is no longer just a piece of paper — it’s a warning sign.
“Once you allow soldiers to detain civilians in your own streets — the line between liberty and control becomes dangerously thin.” – Kaitlan Collins
