Kash Patel warns rioters: Assaulting cops will lead to jail time
- Protests against ICE in Los Angeles escalated into violence, with demonstrators clashing with law enforcement.
- Kash Patel warned that anyone attacking law enforcement during the protests would face arrest and prosecution.
- The situation raised concerns regarding contrasting responses to different groups of protesters.
In Los Angeles, California, protests erupted against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on June 7, 2025, leading to violent confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement. The protests were in response to ICE raids aimed at illegal immigration enforcement. During these protests, demonstrators assaulted police officers, prompting significant injuries among law enforcement personnel, including a Border Patrol agent whose hand was injured by a rock during a violent standoff. In light of these events, Kash Patel, the FBI Director, issued a stern warning, stating that anyone who assaults law enforcement officers would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. His message emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for violence against law enforcement, regardless of the protestors' motivations or backgrounds. President Donald Trump, in response to the riots, signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles to assist law enforcement and maintain order. Video footage from the protests depicted chaotic scenes, including people throwing objects at police vehicles and attempting to thwart ICE agents carrying out their duties, which further escalated tensions. Patel's comments and the administration's actions drew criticism online for being hypocritical, particularly in light of the previous pardons granted to January 6 rioters by Trump. This sparked discussions around the contrasting treatment of different protest groups and the implications for law enforcement's response strategies going forward.