A teacher and activist from a Los Angeles public school recently praised individuals who protested against federal agents by throwing bricks in California, suggesting that these actions have helped to decrease Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests.
Dr. Gocheth, a history teacher at Maya Angelou Community High School, pointed to a recent incident during a press conference for his activist group, Unión del Barrio (UDB), highlighting it as an example of community resistance against ICE amid heightened enforcement activities. Residents, he argued, cannot depend on law enforcement to keep ICE in check and should understand that “federal agents aren’t the only ones armed,” as relayed by officials from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
A federal grand jury has indicted Jacob Daniel Terrazas, 30, of Paramount, for injuring a Border Patrol agent during a June 7 protest against ICE.
Police arrested Terrazas after he was seen throwing concrete pieces at officers, and he could face up to two decades in prison.
— Deputy U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) August 7, 2025
“People will band together to defend themselves, and as repression grows, so will the pushback,” Gocheth stated. He mentioned the reason behind the decline of raids in Los Angeles is because community members organized against them, noting past incidents where demonstrators found bricks to defend their neighborhoods. “This is South Central—People are ready to stand up.”
“Relying on the police or politicians is futile,” Gocheth added. “We can only depend on ourselves.”
During riots across various California cities in June, protestors targeted federal agents with concrete and rocks. The Department of Justice (DOJ) reported that at least two individuals face charges related to throwing objects during these protests, with one brick causing injury to a Border Patrol agent.
Gocheth criticized the actions of ICE under President Trump, saying such violence only incites further violence.
Neither LAUSD, UDB, Gocheth, nor the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to requests for comments.
UDB describes itself on its website as a political organization focused on the rights of Hispanic individuals. In June, Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley initiated an inquiry into UDB and similar groups for their connections to the protests against ICE, to which UDB responded, denying any involvement in illegal activities.
Recently, Gocheth claimed that residents should be ready for possible armed resistance against ICE, reminding them, “This is South Central Los Angeles… there are others here with guns too.” He clarified that he does not advocate for violence but believes in self-defense against perceived threats.
He added, “The people should have the right to protect themselves, and that’s not violent—it’s a smart response.”
Previously, Gocheth had spoken at another UDB press conference recorded in Los Angeles on June 6, the day the protests began, urging activists to push immigration agents out of their communities.
He concluded by stressing that if they unite, they can drive ICE from their neighborhoods. “Who cares about legality when these agents are invading our lives?” he asked the crowd. “We have a duty to protect our families and communities by any means necessary.”
In August, Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri, responsible for prosecuting the anti-ICE demonstrators, disputed Gocheth’s claims, stating that the violence only serves to strengthen ICE’s resolve. “Our operations are not disrupted,” he affirmed.
