FBI Director Kash Patel has issued a stern warning to protesters in Los Angeles who engage in violence against law enforcement during anti-ICE demonstrations. The warning comes amid escalating tensions between Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and protesters opposing immigration enforcement operations in the city.
According to Breitbart, Patel made his position clear, stating that anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will face serious consequences regardless of their background or cause. The FBI director emphasized federal authorities would step in if local jurisdictions failed to protect officers.
Patel reiterated his agency's position in a social media post-Saturday evening, writing: "Hit a cop, you're going to jail... doesn't matter where you came from, how you got here, or what movement speaks to you. If the local police force won't back our men and women on the thin blue line, we @FBI will."
National Guard deployment ordered
President Donald Trump's administration has responded to the violence by sending National Guard troops to Los Angeles. The president signed a Presidential Memorandum authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the escalating situation.
The federal response comes after numerous incidents of violence against ICE agents who were attempting to carry out immigration enforcement operations. Videos circulating online show protesters throwing objects at police vehicles and setting cars on fire in the streets of Los Angeles.
In one particularly disturbing video, protesters were seen pouring gasoline on vehicles before setting them ablaze, while another clip showed a car burning in an intersection as a motorcyclist carrying a Mexican flag circled around it. These incidents demonstrate the increasingly violent nature of the protests, which have moved beyond peaceful demonstrations.
Law enforcement injuries reported
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks reported that at least one Border Patrol agent was injured during the riots after being struck by a rock that came through a windshield, resulting in a bloodied hand.
Banks warned in a social media post that attacks on federal agents would not be tolerated: "Several arrests have already been made for assault on a federal agent. ANY attack on our agents or officers will not be tolerated. You will be arrested and federally prosecuted."
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that multiple arrests had already been made for obstructing law enforcement operations. He promised further action against those involved in the violence, stating that authorities were reviewing video footage to identify additional perpetrators.
State and local responses
The situation has created tension between federal authorities and California state officials. Governor Gavin Newsom has reportedly challenged ICE Director Tom Homan, daring him to make an arrest over the governor's opposition to the immigration raids.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has called for federal authorities to "retreat" from the city as a means of de-escalation. This position stands in contrast to the federal government's determination to maintain law and order through increased enforcement presence.
Some local officials have downplayed the severity of the situation, with businessman Rick Caruso claiming "there is no emergency" in Los Angeles despite the documented violence and property destruction. This disconnect between federal and local perspectives has further complicated response efforts.
Federal zero-tolerance approach
The Trump administration has made it clear that it intends to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for criminal activity associated with the protests. The FBI director's warnings represent a significant federal stance against anti-law enforcement violence in Los Angeles.
Patel's statement underscored the FBI's commitment to protecting law enforcement officers: "If you assault a law enforcement officer, you're going to jail — period. It doesn't matter where you came from, how you got here, or what cause you claim to represent. If local jurisdictions won't stand behind the men and women who wear the badge, the FBI will."
The deployment of National Guard troops signals the administration's determination to restore order amid the riots. The 2,000 guardsmen are expected to assist local and federal law enforcement in managing the situation and protecting officers carrying out their duties.
