On June 6, a confrontation in Los Angeles involved federal ICE and law enforcement officers being attacked by rioters. The incident was addressed by ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, who expressed strong disapproval of the events.
Lyons stated, "What took place in Los Angeles yesterday was appalling. As rioters attacked federal ICE and law enforcement officers on the LA streets, Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement."
The altercation saw over 1,000 rioters surrounding a federal building and engaging with officers. According to Lyons, the response from the Los Angeles Police Department took more than two hours despite multiple calls for assistance.
ICE personnel were in Los Angeles to arrest individuals described as criminal illegal aliens, including those with histories of gang involvement, drug trafficking, assault, cruelty to children, domestic violence, robbery, and smuggling.
Lyons emphasized that violent actions against federal officers would not go unpunished. He asserted that "ICE will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and arrest criminal illegal aliens." He also warned sanctuary politicians about the dangers of hindering these efforts: "Impeding our efforts only endangers their communities, law enforcement officers, and the detainees they claim to support."
