As violence erupted during ICE operations across the Los Angeles area, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino issued a firm warning to protesters and agitators: “You bring chaos, we’ll bring handcuffs.” His message came as hundreds of federal officers moved in to contain increasingly volatile demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement.
Over the past several days, protesters in areas like Paramount clashed with agents from ICE, the FBI, and CBP. Demonstrators launched projectiles, set fires, and blocked enforcement vehicles. In response, federal forces deployed tear gas, flash-bangs, and pepper spray to disperse the crowds. More than 100 arrests have already been made, with charges ranging from assault on federal officers to obstruction of justice.
Bongino emphasized that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, attacking law enforcement or obstructing lawful operations is not. “The law is clear,” he said. “If you interfere with federal operations or threaten our officers, you will be arrested. There’s no gray area here.”
The Right to assemble and protest does not include a license to attack law enforcement officers, or to impede and obstruct our lawful immigration operations.
We are thoroughly reviewing the evidence from yesterday’s incident in Los Angeles and we are working with the US…— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) June 7, 2025
President Trump has already taken the unprecedented step of federalizing the California National Guard under Title 10 authority to support ICE agents and restore order in Los Angeles. Defense officials confirmed Marines at nearby bases remain on alert, prepared to deploy if the unrest spreads.
Border Czar Tom Homan praised the swift crackdown, saying the administration “isn’t going to stand by while mobs try to shut down federal law.” Bongino echoed that resolve, warning that investigations into the violence are ongoing and more arrests are likely.
This marks one of the most direct crackdowns on domestic unrest in years, with federal officials making it clear: attacks on law enforcement will be met with force, and political ideology is no excuse for lawlessness.