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Federal officials are urging Democratic leaders to scale back their rhetoric regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. This request follows a weekend of violent protests and tumultuous demonstrations in major cities such as Los Angeles and New York City.
On Friday, immigration agents apprehended several individuals during operations across seven locations in Los Angeles. These enforcement actions were met with escalating violence—protests erupted, including an attempted breach of the Roybal Federal Building.
Shortly after these incidents, the Los Angeles Police Department classified the gatherings as unlawful assembly and issued a city-wide tactical alert.
Social Media Outcry Follows ICE Raids
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement revealing that the LAPD did not respond promptly to the escalating situation at the Roybal building, despite receiving multiple emergency calls. According to DHS, “Last night, over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building and assaulted ICE law enforcement officers, slashed tires, defaced buildings, and damaged taxpayer-funded property.” The agency highlighted concerning statistics, noting a staggering 413% surge in assaults against ICE officers, along with the alarming targeting of their family members.
DHS officials asserted that the violent unrest in Los Angeles stemmed from a pattern of rhetoric from Democratic politicians who have disparaged ICE law enforcement. Individuals such as New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have been specifically mentioned as contributing to this divisive atmosphere.
Call for an End to Violence Directed at Law Enforcement
The targeting of law enforcement professionals has drawn sharp criticism. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “The violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles by lawless rioters is despicable, and Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom must call for it to end.” McLaughlin emphasized that ICE agents risk their lives to protect American citizens and a culture that glorifies violence against law enforcement is unacceptable. “From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi Gestapo to glorifying rioters, the violent rhetoric of these sanctuary politicians is beyond the pale. This violence against ICE must end,” she further asserted.
The recent ICE operations in Los Angeles resulted in the detention of 118 undocumented immigrants, including five gang members with previous criminal convictions related to drug trafficking, assault, and other serious offenses. Nationally, ICE apprehended about 2,000 undocumented individuals over the same week.
Director Liam Lyons Describes LA Events as Appalling
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons condemned the violence in Los Angeles, describing the events as appalling. He stated, “As rioters attacked federal ICE and law enforcement officers on the LA streets, Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement.” Lyons vowed that violent offenders would be held accountable and reiterated ICE’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and apprehending criminal illegal aliens.
“Sanctuary politicians would do well to remember that impeding our efforts only endangers their communities, law enforcement officers, and those individuals they claim to support,” he added.
The LAPD has not yet responded to inquiries regarding these incidents.
Tear Gas and Protests in Multiple Cities
On Saturday, reports emerged of tear gas being deployed in Paramount, California, where ICE agents were allegedly conducting additional raids. Meanwhile, in New York, anti-ICE demonstrators gathered outside the Jacobs Javits Federal Building in Lower Manhattan, attempting to halt the movement of an ICE vehicle.
The NYPD responded to a 911 call about the disorderly group at approximately noon on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers found multiple demonstrators blocking the road. According to New York police officials, the protesters were verbally instructed to vacate the roadway repeatedly, but they did not comply, resulting in the arrest of five individuals who were later given summonses. Fortunately, the ICE van was able to leave the area without further incident.
Both the LA County Sheriff’s Office and LA County Fire departments have yet to provide comments regarding the ongoing situation.
This story is developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.
