Democratic LA City Council member Eunisses Hernandez called for protesters to escalate tactics against ICE agents amid violent riots that left federal officers injured and vehicles damaged.
At a Glance
- Over 1,000 rioters in Los Angeles assaulted ICE officers, slashed tires, and defaced property
- LA Council member Eunisses Hernandez urged protesters to “escalate their tactics” against ICE
- The Trump administration has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order
- ICE reports a 413% increase in assaults against their officers nationwide
- Despite the violence, ICE successfully arrested 118 illegal aliens with criminal histories
LA Council Member Calls for Escalation
Los Angeles City Council member Eunisses Hernandez has sparked national controversy after publicly encouraging protesters to intensify their actions against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Hernandez, a community organizer and daughter of Mexican immigrants, was captured on video urging activists to respond more aggressively to ICE operations in the city. The inflammatory comments came amid violent clashes between protesters and federal agents that have erupted across Los Angeles in recent days, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries to law enforcement personnel.
“They know how quickly we mobilize, that’s why they’re changing tactics. Because community defense works and our resistance has slowed them down before… and if they’re escalating their tactics then so are we. When they show up, we gotta show up even stronger.”, Eunisses Hernandez said.
The video was widely shared on social media platforms, with many users calling for Hernandez’s arrest for allegedly inciting violence against federal officers. The council member’s comments have intensified the already heated debate over immigration enforcement tactics and appropriate forms of protest against government agencies.
Violent Protests Erupt Across Los Angeles
According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 1,000 rioters in Los Angeles physically assaulted ICE officers, slashed tires of federal vehicles, and defaced government property. Reports indicate that the Los Angeles Police Department took two hours to respond to calls for assistance from federal agents under attack. During the violent confrontations, protesters barricaded roads, threw eggs and other objects at law enforcement officers, and even set at least one vehicle on fire. These escalating tensions have resulted in over 40 arrests during recent immigration enforcement operations.
“The violent targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles by lawless rioters is despicable and Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom must call for it to end. The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line to protect and defend the lives of American citizens”, stated Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
Despite these aggressive protests, ICE operations in Los Angeles successfully resulted in the arrest of 118 illegal aliens, including five gang members with significant criminal histories. The agency reports that it continues to arrest approximately 2,000 illegal aliens daily across the country, despite the violent opposition to their enforcement activities.
Trump Administration Responds with National Guard
In response to the escalating violence, President Trump’s administration has taken decisive action by deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles. A Presidential Memorandum authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guardsmen to the area to support federal law enforcement operations and restore order. The White House emphasized its commitment to “LAW AND ORDER” in a social media post announcing the deployment, signaling a firm stance against the violent protests.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has described the situation as a significant national security risk. Hegseth warned that if the violence continues, active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton could also be mobilized to support law enforcement efforts. The Secretary emphasized that violence against federal agents will not be tolerated under the Trump administration, highlighting the serious nature of the government’s response to these incidents.
ICE Officers Face Increasing Danger
The Department of Homeland Security has reported a disturbing 413% increase in assaults against ICE officers nationwide. The escalation in violence has extended beyond the officers themselves, with family members of ICE personnel being doxxed and targeted. This troubling trend has raised serious concerns about the safety of federal law enforcement officers and their families, particularly in areas where local political leaders have been critical of immigration enforcement operations.
As tensions continue to rise in Los Angeles and across the nation, the conflict highlights the deep political divisions over immigration policy and enforcement tactics. Federal authorities remain committed to carrying out their duties despite the opposition, while protest organizers vow to continue their resistance against what they view as unjust enforcement operations.