Over 1,000 violent rioters swarmed federal immigration agents in Los Angeles, attacking officers and vandalizing vehicles as ICE conducted raids targeting illegal immigrants with serious criminal records including sex offenders and drug traffickers.
Key Takeaways
- ICE agents conducted targeted raids on June 6-7 arresting approximately 45 illegal immigrants with serious criminal histories including sex offenses, drug dealing, and gang membership.
- Violent protesters numbering over 1,000 surrounded a federal building, threw rocks at agents, destroyed vehicles, and impeded law enforcement operations for hours.
- The Los Angeles Police Department took over two hours to respond to the situation, with Chief Jim McDonnell stating the department would not assist in mass deportations.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned the raids, while federal officials including ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that obstructing federal agents would result in prosecution.
- President Trump authorized National Guard involvement to support local law enforcement in restoring order during the unrest.
Violent Protests Erupt as ICE Targets Criminal Illegal Immigrants
Federal immigration operations in Los Angeles targeting criminal illegal aliens devolved into chaos as protesters violently confronted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The raids, conducted on June 6 and 7, focused on individuals with serious criminal histories, including convicted sex offenders, drug dealers, and gang members. As agents carried out their duties, they were met with organized resistance from demonstrators who surrounded federal buildings, vandalized vehicles, and physically threatened officers trying to enforce immigration laws.
Over 1,000 protesters converged on the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, significantly outnumbering federal agents. The situation quickly deteriorated as rioters threw rocks at officers and destroyed a local news SUV. The Los Angeles Police Department’s delayed response—taking over two hours despite multiple calls for assistance—highlighted the tense relationship between local and federal authorities on immigration enforcement.
“These violent rioters will be held accountable if they harm federal officers, and make no mistake, ICE will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and arrest criminal illegal aliens,” said ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons.
Local and State Officials Oppose Federal Enforcement
The response from California leadership further complicated the situation. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement condemning the operations, claiming they “sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.” This rhetoric drew sharp criticism from federal officials who pointed out that the operations specifically targeted dangerous criminals with extensive criminal histories, not law-abiding immigrants.
California Governor Gavin Newsom escalated tensions by defending David Huerta, president of SEIU California, who was arrested for allegedly obstructing federal agents during the operations. Newsom described Huerta as a “patriot” while characterizing the lawful enforcement actions as “cruel” and “chaotic.” The governor’s comments prompted rebuke from law enforcement officials who emphasized that the raids were targeted operations against individuals with serious criminal offenses, according to the President of SEIU California.
“It took over two hours for the Los Angeles Police Department to respond, despite being called multiple times. Sanctuary politicians would do well to remember that impeding our efforts only endangers their communities, law enforcement officers, and the detainees they claim to support.”
Federal Response and Continued Enforcement
Despite the opposition from local officials and violent protests, federal authorities remained firm in their commitment to enforcing immigration laws. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a clear warning that the Department of Justice would prosecute anyone obstructing or assaulting law enforcement officers, regardless of their position or status. This strong stance came as President Trump authorized National Guard involvement to support local law enforcement in restoring order.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a judge, a member of Congress, or a protestor in Los Angeles: If you obstruct or assault a law enforcement officer, this Department of Justice will prosecute you,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell’s declaration that the department would not assist in mass deportations drew criticism from policy advisor Stephen Miller, who accused the chief of siding with “invaders over citizens.” Despite these challenges, ICE officials confirmed that operations in Los Angeles County would proceed as planned, with federal agents continuing to target criminal illegal aliens who pose a threat to public safety.
