LA taxpayers will cover $32 million for expenses related to anti-ICE protests, controller discloses

Costs of LA Protest Reach $32 Million

A recent anti-ICE protest in Los Angeles has resulted in significant financial fallout, with a reported cost of $32 million for taxpayers, as outlined in a report from the city’s budget director.

Controller Kenneth Mejia shared these figures on social media, highlighting expenses related to emergency services, cleanup efforts, and damage to public property, all of which arose from what began as protests but escalated into riots.

A staggering $29 million, or about 92% of the total, was related to the response from the Los Angeles Police Department. This amount also included costs associated with citywide tactical alerts during the unrest.

In addition to police costs, over $1 million is earmarked for city cleanup and repair of damaged public property, according to Mejia. The remaining funds will support various city departments, including the Fire Department and public street services.

Mejia did point out that this total does not account for possible legal proceedings that might arise from the situation.

Protests, which some media outlets have described as “peaceful,” have reportedly become increasingly violent, prompting calls from officials like Senator Cory Booker for the deployment of the National Guard.

During these events, there have been multiple arrests, including that of 48-year-old Grzegolz Vandenberg. He faces charges for allegedly purchasing fireworks with the intent to harm law enforcement and government officials. Authorities noted that he had mentioned military experience and expressed intentions to travel to Los Angeles to target officials amid these protests.

In a related incident, County Sheriff Robert G. Luna reported that nearly a dozen deputies were injured as protesters hurled rocks, Molotov cocktails, and powerful fireworks.