Violent rioters surrounded federal agents and destroyed property in Los Angeles as ICE arrested dozens of criminal illegal immigrants, including convicted sex offenders and gang members, sparking protests that quickly escalated into chaos.
Key Takeaways
- ICE agents arrested 44 criminal illegal aliens during raids in Los Angeles, targeting individuals with serious criminal histories including sex offenses and drug trafficking.
- Over 1,000 violent protesters surrounded a federal building, throwing rocks at agents and vandalizing vehicles, forcing agents to wait hours for LAPD backup.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned the raids, with Newsom defending arrested union leader David Huerta as a “patriot.”
- Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that anyone obstructing or assaulting federal officers will face prosecution, while ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons affirmed immigration enforcement will continue.
- The raids were part of President Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement policies, conducted by ICE, DHS, FBI, and DEA in tactical gear using unmarked vehicles.
Violent Protests Erupt as ICE Targets Criminal Aliens
Hundreds of violent demonstrators targeted federal immigration agents in Los Angeles on June 6, surrounding the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, vandalizing vehicles, and assaulting agents who were conducting a planned operation against criminal illegal aliens. ICE raids on June 6 and 7 resulted in approximately 44 arrests, though immigrant advocates estimate the number could be as high as 70-80 individuals detained. The operation specifically targeted illegal immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds, including gang members, sex offenders, and drug traffickers, as part of President Trump’s immigration enforcement priorities.
Federal agents found themselves vastly outnumbered as over 1,000 attackers surrounded the federal building, throwing rocks and destroying a local news SUV. According to officials, it took more than two hours for the Los Angeles Police Department to respond to multiple calls for assistance, highlighting the dangerous consequences of sanctuary policies that hinder cooperation between local and federal law enforcement. The LAPD later declared the protests an “unlawful assembly” and used tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to disperse the increasingly violent crowds.
Criminal Backgrounds of Those Arrested
The ICE operation in Los Angeles specifically targeted individuals with serious criminal histories rather than conducting indiscriminate mass deportations. Among those arrested were convicted sex abusers, drug dealers, and known gang members who posed significant public safety threats to communities. The raids were executed in a military-style manner, with agents heavily armed, wearing tactical gear, and using unmarked vehicles and drones to apprehend these dangerous individuals who had previously been convicted of crimes on American soil.
“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.
Operations focused on areas with significant migrant populations, including downtown Los Angeles and labor-intensive industries. The enforcement actions took place at various locations including several Home Depot stores and businesses in the fashion district. According to ICE officials, all individuals targeted had prior encounters with law enforcement and represented genuine threats to community safety, contrary to claims by opponents that the raids were indiscriminate or politically motivated.
California Officials Condemn Federal Actions
Democratic officials in California quickly condemned the federal immigration enforcement operations, despite the criminal backgrounds of those arrested. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement claiming the raids would “sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.” Similarly, California Governor Gavin Newsom characterized the operations as “cruel” and “chaotic,” calling them “purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.”
“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.”
The political tensions escalated further when David Huerta, president of SEIU California, was arrested for allegedly obstructing federal agents during the operation. Governor Newsom defended Huerta, calling him a “patriot” despite his interference with legitimate law enforcement activities. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated the department would not assist in mass deportations, drawing criticism from Stephen Miller who accused McDonnell of siding with “invaders over citizens.” These political divisions underscore the ongoing battle between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary jurisdictions Stated Chief Jim McDonnell.
Federal Authorities Stand Firm on Enforcement
Despite the violent protests and political opposition, federal authorities have remained resolute in their commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting public safety. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a stern warning that anyone interfering with federal law enforcement would face serious consequences regardless of their position or status. Operations in Los Angeles County are proceeding as planned, with additional enforcement actions likely in the coming weeks as part of President Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy.
“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.
To manage the escalating civil unrest, President Trump authorized the deployment of National Guard units to support local law enforcement and federal agents in restoring order. This decisive action underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order while continuing to enforce immigration laws that target dangerous criminals who entered the country illegally. The operation in Los Angeles demonstrates that despite opposition from sanctuary jurisdictions, federal immigration authorities will continue to prioritize public safety by removing criminal aliens from American communities.
