Federal prosecutors are now considering domestic terrorism charges against anti-ICE protesters as the Trump administration deploys 700 Marines to quell the chaos that has already led to 575 arrests in Los Angeles alone.
Key Takeaways
- Federal authorities may classify violent anti-ICE protests as “domestic terrorism” if they’re intended to intimidate the public or force government policy changes through violence.
- An illegal immigrant, Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, faces attempted murder charges for throwing a Molotov cocktail at federal officers during the riots.
- The IRS is investigating funding sources behind the organized protests, which have spread from Los Angeles to other major cities.
- President Trump deployed 700 U.S. Marines to restore order in Los Angeles despite opposition from Democrat lawmakers.
- Law enforcement has identified organized anarchist groups using sophisticated tactics to hijack legitimate protests and escalate violence.
Organized Violence Disguised as Protest
What began as demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in downtown Los Angeles has rapidly escalated into nationwide unrest. Over the past week, tensions have boiled over as protesters have reportedly thrown concrete and fireworks at police officers outside federal buildings. The situation has become so dire that the LAPD has been forced to issue dispersal orders and has made hundreds of arrests. These are not spontaneous outbursts but rather coordinated attacks designed to undermine law enforcement and immigration enforcement efforts, according to officials.
“This group wanted to commit crimes. They looked at the protest as a cover, an opportunity to go ahead and ply their illegal trade and commit a whole variety of crimes that, in many ways, has done a huge disservice to the legitimate protesters out there,” said Nathan Hochman, former federal prosecutor and former Assistant Attorney General of the Tax Division at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Criminal Charges Mount Against Violent Actors
Federal and state authorities have begun filing serious charges against individuals accused of orchestrating violence during the riots. William Rubio faces felony charges for assaulting a police officer and using a destructive device. Alejandro Orellana has been charged with conspiracy to commit civil disorder for allegedly distributing face shields to violent protesters. Adam Charles Palermo could face up to 20 years in prison for attempted arson of a vehicle. Perhaps most alarming is the case of Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, an illegal immigrant who is charged with attempted murder for throwing a Molotov cocktail at federal officers.
“[Palermo’s] social media account contained a collage of photographs and videos depicting a man holding flying debris, a CHP patrol car on fire, and various other damage to CHP patrol cars. He wrote, ‘All of the protests I’ve been involved in, which is well over 100 now. I’m most proud of what I did today,'” said Bill Essayli, Riverside County District Attorney.
Domestic Terrorism Classification Being Considered
Retired FBI agent Jason Pack has warned that these riots are not random acts of civil disobedience but part of a sophisticated operation by organized anarchist groups. Federal authorities are now weighing whether to classify these violent actions as domestic terrorism, which would carry more severe consequences. While there is no specific federal charge called “domestic terrorism,” prosecutors can use this classification to enhance penalties for other criminal charges and send a stronger message to would-be violent protesters.
“Federal authorities may describe violent actions during protests as ‘domestic terrorism’ if there is evidence the individuals intended to intimidate the public or influence government decisions through force,” said Jason Pack, retired FBI agent.
Trump Administration Takes Decisive Action
In response to the escalating violence, President Trump has dispatched 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to assist local law enforcement in restoring order. This decisive action comes despite criticism from Democratic lawmakers who have opposed federal intervention. The FBI has also launched investigations into the organized efforts behind the chaos, including the IRS probing the funding sources for these demonstrations. The administration has made it clear that attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated.
“President Trump will always support and defend the brave law enforcement officers who are being attacked by the violent left-wing rioters. Those who target law enforcement officials will be held accountable to the full extent of the law,” said Abigail Jackson, White House spokesperson.
As the violence continues to spread to other cities, including New York, the Trump administration’s approach of treating these riots as potential domestic terrorism signals a turning point in how the federal government will respond to organized violence masquerading as protest. With over 575 arrests already made in Los Angeles and more expected nationwide, the message is clear: attempts to disrupt immigration enforcement through violence will face the full force of federal law.
