More than 50 people accused of anti-ICE protests are being charged in California, according to the prosecutor.

DOJ Increases Prosecutions Following Central California Riots

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has significantly raised the number of federal prosecutions related to the Central California riots that took place in June, as reported by local federal prosecutors on Wednesday.

Bill Essay, a U.S. attorney appointed by President Donald Trump, stated that his office is now pursuing charges against 53 individuals for “assaulting” federal agents. This marks a considerable increase since June 17, when riot police in Los Angeles responded to instances of violence amid immigration and customs enforcement actions. Initially, only “more than 20” defendants had been cited by Essay’s office.

According to recent updates, nine cases led to indictment during the Great Ju trial; seven individuals waived their charges, while four entered guilty pleas. Among the remaining cases, some were shelved for further investigation, leaving 26 cases in various stages of the judicial process.

Essay, who took office in April, aimed to clarify what he describes as “misinformation” regarding the efforts of federal prosecutors in the region. Media reports have indicated a lack of evidence in some cases, with no indictments issued in certain instances.

“It’s not unusual for complaints to be dismissed to allow law enforcement to gather more evidence,” Essay noted.

The unrest began on June 6 when local union leaders were arrested for attempting to obstruct ICE agents transporting immigrants. Following those events, left-leaning activists urged supporters online to gather at federal buildings, leading to protests that escalated into violence and property damage.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that the riots caused around $1 billion in damage in Los Angeles over several days. Federal authorities are also reportedly monitoring related financial activities that might lead to further prosecutions.