Tensions boiled over in downtown Los Angeles this weekend when protesters hurled rocks at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicles, prompting a chilling public warning from FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. With the crowd’s actions captured on video, Bongino emphasized that no one would escape the reach of federal law enforcement—and urged the culprits to surrender before it was “only a matter of time.”
A Bold Demand: “Turn Yourself In”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Deputy Director Bongino didn’t mince words:
“We are currently seeking information regarding the identity of the person(s) throwing rocks at vehicles conducting critical law enforcement operations,” he declared, noting that “One of the perpetrators in this video is wearing a helmet, and we’re going to use our investigative tools to locate the individual. I strongly suggest you turn yourself in, it’s only a matter of time.”
Bongino’s message made it clear: no matter how chaotic the scene, federal agents will hold those responsible accountable.
FBI Director Kash Patel Joins the Warning
FBI Director Kash Patel also weighed in with a stark reminder: attacking law enforcement carries serious consequences. “Hit a cop, you’re going to jail… doesn’t matter where you came from, how you got here,” Patel warned, adding, “If the local police force won’t back our men and women on the thin blue line, we @FBI will.”
The message was unmistakable: federal protections for law enforcement officers remain firm.
What Sparked the Violence?
The unrest began when ICE agents descended on several locations across Los Angeles, including a clothing warehouse in the famed Fashion District. The action followed a judicial finding of probable cause that the employer had been using forged documents for its workers—information confirmed by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
When agents entered the scene, a crowd amassed and, by some accounts, attempted to obstruct their exit. Rocks were thrown at the federal vehicles, creating a flashpoint that would soon become national news.
Protests Spread Across the City
The unrest didn’t stay confined to one area. Reports indicate that demonstrations erupted later outside a federal building downtown, fueled by rumors that detainees were being held in the basement. The on-the-ground tension caught fire.
By Saturday, the protests expanded to Paramount, a neighboring city in L.A. County, following the appearance of another ICE operation. Chanting “Set them free, let them stay!” protesters surrounded a detention center, scrawling anti-ICE graffiti on courthouses and waving protest signs.
Notably, one of the arrested amid the demonstrations was David Huerta, regional president of the Service Employees International Union. He now faces legal proceedings in Los Angeles; according to DOJ spokesperson Ciaran McEvoy, Huerta was moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center and is due in court Monday.
Federal Back-up: National Guard Deployed
That same day, former President Trump signed a memo invoking Title 10 authority, authorizing the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County for up to 60 days—or longer if Secretary of Defense deems it necessary. The troops were mobilized in response to escalating unrest.
Trump’s post on Truth Social framed the crisis bluntly:
“If Governor Gavin Newsom, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs… then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
Officials say the majority of the National Guard troops are sourced from the California National Guard. Per the memo, active-duty forces may be added as needed.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Speaks Out
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the strong stance. In a post on X, he condemned what he called “violent mob assaults” and labeled the situation a national security threat.
He warned:
“Under President Trump, violence & destruction against federal agents & federal facilities will NOT be tolerated. The @DeptofDefense is mobilizing the National Guard IMMEDIATELY … And, if violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized—they are on high alert.”
Hegseth tied the violence to criminal cartels and described it as a growing threat to both domestic law enforcement and national safety.
What This Means Moving Forward
This confrontation highlights the delicate balance between public dissent and civil disobedience—a line that federal agencies appear to be ready to enforce. Here’s what to watch:
Federal Investigations: Video evidence is being used to identify suspects. Authorities stress no matter how small the crowd, every act of rock-throwing will be thoroughly investigated.
Federal-Federal Cooperation: FBI and ICE cross-messaging shows coordination at the highest levels, with clear direction coming from the Trump administration.
Expanded Security Measures: With National Guard deployment, federal assets and personnel are being proactively protected.
Legal Fallout: Arrests—including union officials—bring legal scrutiny and potential political fallout to protest organizers.
Wider implications: Expect increased tension around immigration enforcement, especially during workplace audits.
This event isn’t just a local flashpoint—it’s a wake-up call. Federal agencies, steered by figures like Dan Bongino, Kash Patel, and Pete Hegseth, are signaling they’re stepping in decisively when local jurisdictions fall short. Whether viewed as federal overreach or necessity, the crackdown sends a clear message: rock-throwing lawbreakers will be held accountable.
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