Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) threw a hissy fit when she was denied entry into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center to have a talk with a detained union leader.

According to Fox News, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin explained to Fox News what really happened that resulted in Waters being denied entry into the facility -- a direct contrast to the "lies" that Waters told regarding the incident. 

The top DHS official explained that Waters taunted the guardsmen at the facility, even asking them if they planned to "shoot" her.

Waters also told reporters that California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) was not properly informed that President Donald Trump had federalized the California National Guard to help with the riots.

What's going on?

The Los Angeles detention facility that Waters tried to enter was "temporarily restricted" to help keep the inmates and the guards safe, given the current situation unfolding in the area.

Waters, 86, had apparently rushed toward a group of guardsmen as they entered a plywood-protected door at the facility when she began taunting them.

Fox News noted:

The 86-year-old, 18-term Democrat approached the guardsmen saying, "Hello, hello, hello — I’m Congresswoman Waters," but the last one bluntly told her to talk to "public affairs" and slammed the door.

"As a result, Congresswoman Maxine Waters was denied entry," McLaughlin said. "The safety and security of DHS personnel, ICE agents, and those in our custody remain our top priority."

The DHS spokesperson also commented on the instance when Waters approached the group of guardsmen on the street and asked if they would "shoot" her for trying to enter the facility.

"Instead of taunting national guard members, the congresswoman should be trying to defuse these violent riots," McLaughlin said. "Elected officials need to tone down their dangerous rhetoric about ICE law enforcement."

Social media reacts

Users across social media had plenty to say about the video of Waters' ridiculous stunt.

BREAKING: Rep. Maxine Waters tried to enter the Los Angeles Federal Building to check on arrested SEIU President David Huerta. Despite her "congressional authority," she was denied entry.

Note how Waters walked past all the graffiti during this stunt — quite the backdrop. pic.twitter.com/BwAM5pJljF

— Stu (@thestustustudio) June 8, 2025

"Members of Congress have oversight authority but must give advance notice to access federal buildings. Security concerns, ongoing investigations, or risks to personnel can lead to entry being denied—even with 'congressional authority' cited," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "I love how he slammed the door in her face! The wicked witch of the west, with the low IQ!"