FBI Director’s Remarks Following Protests in Los Angeles

In response to violent protests against ICE in Los Angeles on Saturday evening, the FBI Director made a clear statement: “If you attack a law enforcement officer, you’re going to prison—period.” Kash Patel emphasized that it doesn’t matter where individuals come from or what they claim to stand for. He mentioned, “If the local jurisdiction doesn’t support the officers, the FBI will.”

In the meantime, immigration officials have engaged about 2,000 national security guards in Paramount, California, owing to the situation escalating with protesters throwing rocks and concrete.

Michael W. Banks, the Chief of the US Border Patrol, shared an image showing the injuries sustained by one of the agents from these confrontations. There are worries among federal sources that agents could have suffered far worse due to flying debris.

Patel, through a post on X, stated that the FBI will step in when local police do not back their officers, highlighting the importance of solidarity within law enforcement.

Several arrests have already been made regarding assaults on federal agents during these protests, which have now stretched over two days of unrest in the area. A crowd of more than 1,000 people had previously surrounded and attacked federal buildings, damaging property and posing threats to law enforcement personnel.

During these confrontations, protesters took to setting fires and causing damage in various parts of Paramount, showcasing the chaos and tension that has marked these ongoing protests.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated they are actively looking for individuals responsible for throwing rocks at vehicles involved in law enforcement operations, cautioning that justice will catch up with them. He even mentioned that those who participated, particularly someone seen in a helmet, should consider turning themselves in, as it’s only a matter of time before they are identified.