A federal employee shared her experiences of ongoing harassment in downtown Los Angeles, describing her daily routine as feeling like she’s navigating a “war zone.”
The unnamed woman told the California Post that she and her coworkers face regular abuse outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, which is home to the Central District Court and agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“I get called a fascist,” she mentioned, recalling a recent incident where demonstrators spat on cars and hurled racial slurs at her colleagues.
“It’s just completely insane and unacceptable,” she added, conveying her frustration.
Reports indicate that members of Antifa have been targeting federal buildings for months, filming and intimidating officials, including judges, by documenting their faces and license plates. The employee described this behavior as “disgusting and frustrating.”
“It feels like a rebellion,” she said. “They resort to violence and intimidation to terrorize us. Every day feels like a battlefield.”
The site has witnessed violent protests, with arrests occurring during clashes between demonstrators and officials on a recent Friday night.
In a disturbing incident last December, a man was charged for attempting to throw a Molotov cocktail at a federal facility, although it failed to ignite.
The employee recalled returning to work an hour later and noticing crime scene tape at the entrance. “Luckily, the device didn’t go off, but it left the entire lobby without power,” she explained.
Jose Francisco Jobel, a 54-year-old with a lengthy criminal history, reportedly expressed anti-ICE sentiments and threatened to blow up the building while also threatening law enforcement.
“His actions were clearly aimed at federal law enforcement and highlight the ongoing danger faced by those dedicated to protecting the community,” stated Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin.
Authorities revealed that Jobel had more Molotov cocktails along with several knives and a multi-tool in his possession. Fortunately, no injuries or damage occurred since the device was not ignited.
His previous convictions include attempted murder and armed robbery, dating back to the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In June, more than twenty DHS employees were attacked at a hotel in Los Angeles, with another individual unsuccessfully throwing a Molotov cocktail during that event as well. No injuries were reported then either.
