A weekend protest in Los Angeles’ Fashion District turned violent as demonstrators targeted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles during a federal workplace raid. ICE agents had entered a warehouse after a judge authorized the operation, citing evidence of undocumented workers using forged papers. When officers attempted to leave, they faced a growing crowd that blocked their exit and hurled rocks—an incident captured on cell phone cameras that rapidly spread online.
FBI’s Deputy Director Issues Ultimatum
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino responded directly in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), addressing one masked individual seen throwing stones.
“We’re using every investigative tool at our disposal to track you down,” he said. “Turn yourself in now—it’s only a matter of time.”
His statement made clear the Bureau’s determination to pursue everyone caught on camera assaulting law enforcement.
Director Kash Patel Reinforces the Message
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed Bongino’s warning. “Hit a cop, you go to jail—period,” Patel posted, emphasizing that federal agents would step in if local authorities failed to act. He described the attack not as a protest but as a criminal assault on federal officers.
Citywide Protests and Arrests Follow
The initial clash sparked further demonstrations across Los Angeles. Protesters gathered outside a federal building after rumors spread that detainees were being held inside. Early Saturday, another ICE operation in Paramount drew chants of “Set them free!” and graffiti on courthouse walls. Two Molotov cocktails were reportedly thrown at federal vehicles.
Among those arrested was David Huerta, regional president of the Service Employees International Union. According to DOJ spokesperson Ciaran McEvoy, Huerta was charged with obstructing federal officers and taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.
Trump Orders National Guard to Restore Order
As images of fires and smashed windows filled news broadcasts, former President Donald Trump invoked Title 10 authority, authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County for at least 60 days. In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for “weak leadership,” pledging to stop “riots and looters” if local officials would not.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced this stance, calling the violence a “national-security threat” and warning that Marines at Camp Pendleton were on alert for possible deployment. Such a move would require an Insurrection Act declaration—a rare step that could provoke legal challenges.
Federal Response: Coordinated Investigations
Federal agencies are reviewing hours of video from social media and surveillance feeds, using facial-recognition software and license-plate readers to identify those who threw rocks, set fires, or damaged property. The FBI, ICE, and Homeland Security have set up joint command posts to issue warrants and share intelligence.
National Guard units are stationed around federal buildings, detention centers, and major transit points. Their orders are to protect property and avoid clashing with peaceful demonstrators.
Pushback from State and Local Officials
Governor Newsom condemned the troop deployment as “politically motivated grandstanding,” arguing it would only worsen tensions. Mayor Bass criticized the ICE raids, calling them “fear tactics” that go against Los Angeles’ sanctuary status. Both leaders said they would not help federal authorities detain nonviolent migrants.
Civil rights groups quickly vowed to challenge the National Guard deployment in court, questioning the legality of a protest mask ban and federal overreach under Title 10 without state consent.
Wider Implications
This standoff could reshape how federal power is used during local unrest, especially around immigration issues. Supporters of the crackdown see it as necessary to maintain order, while critics argue it criminalizes dissent and undermines local control.
With national campaigns underway, images of Guard troops on city streets are sure to fuel debates about federal authority and border security. Whether this show of force calms tensions or sparks further protests may depend on what happens in the next confrontation—and how Washington responds.
