FBI Seeks Suspect in Assault on Federal Officer During Los Angeles Anti-ICE Riots
FBI seeking suspect in assault on federal officer during Los Angeles anti-ICE protests
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an intensive search for a suspect believed to have assaulted a federal officer and caused significant damage to government property during ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles. The incident, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. Saturday on Alondra Blvd. in Paramount, California, involved the suspect allegedly throwing rocks at law enforcement vehicles, injuring at least one federal officer and damaging multiple vehicles. Authorities describe the individual as armed and dangerous and are urging anyone with information to come forward, offering a reward of up to $50,000 for details that lead to an arrest and conviction.
The FBI’s announcement comes amid escalating tensions within Los Angeles, as protests against deportations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids continue to intensify. FBI Director Kash Patel delivered a strong warning, stating, “If you assault a law enforcement officer, you’re going to jail—period.” Patel emphasized that the agency’s commitment to law and order is unwavering, regardless of an individual’s background or the cause they claim to represent. He added, “My responsibility is to the American people, not political punch lines. LA is under siege by marauding criminals, and we will restore law and order. I’m not asking you, I’m telling you.” Patel reinforced these statements across social media platforms, sending a clear message to demonstrators engaging in violence.
Additional federal authorities have echoed Patel’s remarks. Deputy Director Dan Bongino underscored the agency’s resolve, warning, “We’ll pursue every case… We just need to catch you.” Bongino detailed that investigative and technological resources are being fully deployed, vowing that the FBI will continue to track offenders long after the initial wave of unrest subsides. “We will not forget. Even after you try to,” he cautioned.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Trump administration has authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles. Reports indicate that the White House is also considering sending in active-duty Marines, further heightening the already tense atmosphere. These moves have drawn swift condemnation from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats. Newsom has filed a formal request to rescind the National Guard deployment and return control of the troops to state authorities, denouncing the federal response as an effort to “manufacture a crisis in LA County.” The governor warned the public to resist provocation, urging, “Don’t take the bait. Never use violence or harm law enforcement.”
Newsom further asserted that President Trump’s escalating threats—specifically the possibility of deploying some 500 Marines—are intended to incite chaos, rather than restore peace. “Los Angeles: Remain peaceful. Don’t fall into the trap that extremists are hoping for,” Newsom posted online. He stressed that any assaults on law enforcement would be met with legal consequences, but cautioned residents not to give the federal government a pretext for further crackdowns.
Mayor Karen Bass joined the chorus of local leaders calling for an end to the heightened federal intervention. As Los Angeles remains in the national spotlight, questions persist about the balance between restoring order and respecting the rights of demonstrators, as well as the broader implications of federal involvement in local policing amid nationwide debates over immigration enforcement and civil liberties.
