Attorney General Pam Bondi conveyed a strong message to those engaging in riots and protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations in Los Angeles, California.
In an interview on Fox News with anchor Sean Hannity, Bondi remarked that Los Angeles “resembles a Third World country” amidst the chaos and unrest in the city due to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
“Our course of action is to enforce the law, irrespective of their actions. Just look at the situation outside; it appears to be a Third World country, but it is not. This is the United States of America, and we will not tolerate it,” Bondi stated.
The attorney general further declared that the Department of Justice would pursue federal charges against individuals who assault state and federal law enforcement officers.
“If California fails to safeguard their law enforcement, we will ensure the protection of the LAPD and the sheriff’s office in that area,” Bondi asserted.
Bondi disclosed that nine individuals are currently facing federal charges related to the protests, “with more to follow,” for crimes such as assaulting law enforcement and looting.
“Our commitment is to enforce the law, regardless of their actions. Just observe the situation outside; it resembles a Third World country, and it is not. This is the United States of America, and we will not accept it, nor will Donald Trump. Look at all the dedicated men and women in the LAPD. We are here to protect them. If they will not safeguard them and prosecute those who harm the LAPD during civil unrest under 18 USC 2:30:1, we can federally prosecute individuals who assault state law enforcement officers, carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and we will proceed with that,” Bondi concluded.
Bondi elaborated, “In the incident where an individual was dismantling cinder blocks and hurling them at police vehicles — a federal officer sustained an injury to his hand. The suspect was wearing a mask. The FBI has successfully identified him. Our outstanding U.S. attorney is collaborating with… They have been performing an exceptional job; this individual has just been recognized, and a search warrant is currently being executed at his residence. He has been identified. Once his face is revealed, he will appear on the most wanted list. You have broken the news; his face is out there. That is him. His identification is a result of excellent investigative work by the FBI. Therefore, you may attempt to flee, but you cannot evade us. We are pursuing you at the federal level. If you assault a police officer, rob a store, loot, or spit on a police officer, we will take action against you.”
This statement follows Trump’s commitment to impose consequences on protestors who spit on police officers during the anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, California.
