FBI Director Kash Patel warns rioters after anti-ICE protests injure agents in Los Angeles
Following violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles on Saturday night, FBI Director Kash Patel issued a stern warning to those who choose to assault law enforcement officers. “If you assault a law enforcement officer, you’re going to jail—period,” Patel told Fox News Digital. He emphasized that it does not matter where individuals came from, how they arrived in the country, or what cause they claim to represent, the FBI will take action against those who attack law enforcement.
In response to the escalating violence, President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to Paramount, California. The decision came after immigration authorities were targeted with rocks, stones, and concrete, resulting in shattered government vehicle windshields. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks shared a photo of a Border Patrol agent’s bloody hand, injured by a rock that flew through the windshield. Federal sources indicated that agents could have been killed by the flying debris.
The FBI, with a specialized force dedicated to immigration, has a significant presence in Los Angeles. Several arrests have already been made for assaults on federal agents during the recent riots. The violent protests in Paramount marked the second consecutive day of unrest in Los Angeles, with over 1,000 rioters targeting federal law enforcement buildings and assaulting ICE agents, among other acts of vandalism.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that protesters would not deter ICE agents from carrying out their duties and warned that those who lay a hand on law enforcement officers would face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino urged individuals involved in the violent acts to turn themselves in, as the agency is actively seeking information to identify and locate those responsible for throwing rocks at vehicles conducting law enforcement operations.
The incidents in Los Angeles have drawn criticism from federal officials, who have condemned the violent attacks on law enforcement. The deployment of National Guardsmen underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to protecting law enforcement officers as they carry out their duties. The FBI’s swift response and dedication to investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the violence send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated.
Alexandra Koch, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, provides updates on the situation in Los Angeles and highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and supporting law enforcement in the face of violent protests. The collaboration between federal agencies and local authorities is crucial in maintaining public safety and ensuring that those who commit acts of violence are held accountable for their actions.
