You saw protests erupt across Los Angeles in response to recent ICE actions, and for Kevin O’Leary, the destruction left behind has struck a nerve. The “Shark Tank” star made his stance clear during a recent encounter with TMZ. He voiced deep concern—not about political opinions or constitutional rights—but about the long-lasting damage being inflicted on local small businesses and the families who rely on them to survive.
Destruction of Property Is Hurting More Than the Targeted Message
When you look at the protests surrounding ICE raids, the scenes can be jarring—shattered windows, burned-out vehicles, and damaged storefronts. O’Leary didn’t mince words when addressing the impact of that destruction. According to him, legitimate demonstrations are not defined by violence. He pointed out that these chaotic acts are taking aim at the wrong people. “You wanna talk un-American?” he said. “Small businesses are being destroyed.” His message focused on the unintended victims—ordinary people who invested everything into their shops, only to watch them fall apart in the name of protest.
The Toll on Local Families Trying to Make an Honest Living
You may not immediately think about the family behind each storefront, but O’Leary made that connection crystal clear. He emphasized that nearby neighborhoods are filled with mom-and-pop operations. These are not wealthy corporations absorbing the damage, but local families struggling to keep their businesses afloat. He explained that it’s not just the physical damage that hurts—it’s the psychological effect of knowing your hard work can be wiped out in an instant. Kevin warned that destroying these businesses doesn’t elevate a movement; instead, it erodes the very communities protesters may want to protect.
Protests Sparked by Immigration Raids and Federal Response
This recent unrest didn’t arise out of nowhere. Los Angeles has witnessed a week of intense protests after Immigrations and Customs Enforcement began sweeping the city in a series of targeted arrests. Many undocumented immigrants have been detained, and those actions triggered immediate public outrage. President Trump reacted by calling in 4,000 National Guard troops and deploying 700 Marines to manage the unrest. That level of federal intervention raised tensions even further, contributing to the clashes and destruction seen on the streets.
Kevin O’Leary Supports Free Speech But Condemns Violence
You’ll find that Kevin O’Leary is not against protests. In fact, he believes in the power of free speech and supports the right to voice opinions. However, he draws a clear boundary when demonstrations evolve into riots. As he stated in the interview, “Free speech is one of the best parts of this country and the Constitution,” but he insisted that crossing into violence only weakens any argument being made. For him, lighting fires or looting shops doesn’t lead to change—it only creates more suffering.
O’Leary Says Protesters Must Rethink Their Approach
From Kevin’s perspective, you can protest, chant, and organize without leaving destruction behind. He made it clear that while the message may come from a place of passion, the delivery must be responsible. Businesses already struggling with inflation, staffing shortages, and the aftermath of the pandemic are now being dealt another blow. O’Leary believes this approach not only alienates potential allies but also damages the credibility of the entire movement. His message to demonstrators was simple: stop destroying what others have built and find more effective ways to make a difference.
Business Owners Speak Out as Damage Mounts Across the City
As the protests continue, you’re hearing more stories from devastated business owners caught in the crossfire. Many are pleading for peace, not because they oppose the cause, but because they’re losing everything. One store owner in downtown Los Angeles said her family-run clothing shop was vandalized twice in three days. Insurance won’t cover all the losses, and her employees are left without pay. These are not isolated cases. Dozens of similar stories are emerging from every corner of the city, adding urgency to Kevin O’Leary’s warning.
Rebuilding Trust Within Communities Will Take Time
You know trust is hard to earn and even harder to rebuild. With so many businesses affected, the fabric of these neighborhoods is fraying. Customers now avoid certain areas out of fear, and families are left wondering if their life’s work will ever be safe again. Kevin O’Leary’s call for calm isn’t just about protecting property—it’s about preserving the sense of community that small businesses foster. If that’s lost, it may take years before these neighborhoods feel whole again.
Do you think Kevin O’Leary’s criticism of protest violence is justified? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
Via: TMZ
