Federal authorities have intensified efforts to locate a violent offender who allegedly assaulted a federal officer and destroyed government property during a weekend of escalating unrest in California.
Amid growing chaos tied to anti-ICE demonstrations, the FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
The violence erupted across Los Angeles over the weekend, with protesters targeting federal agents and ICE facilities in response to immigration enforcement actions.
Demonstrations turned destructive late Friday and extended through Sunday, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard to restore order as local officials failed to act swiftly.
The FBI identified a specific suspect involved in a Saturday incident in Paramount, California.
Around 3:30 p.m., the individual reportedly hurled rocks at federal law enforcement vehicles on Alondra Boulevard, resulting in significant property damage and injuries to one officer.
The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, The Post Millennial reports.
FBI Director Kash Patel issued a clear warning to anyone who targets law enforcement.
“If you assault a law enforcement officer, you’re going to jail—period,” Patel said. “It doesn’t matter where you came from, how you got here, or what cause you claim to represent.”
“If local jurisdictions won’t stand behind the men and women who wear the badge, the FBI will.”
As the riots escalated, scenes of lawlessness unfolded throughout the city—vehicles were torched, federal property was vandalized and protesters clashed violently with police.
In one instance, officers were pelted with projectiles, while police horses were attacked during crowd control efforts.
Local leadership, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, faced criticism for failing to condemn the violence early or take decisive action.
Critics argue that their delayed responses contributed to the breakdown in law and order, placing both civilians and law enforcement at increased risk.
Patel, addressing the unrest on social media, emphasized the FBI’s autonomy and commitment to protecting the public.
“Just so we are clear, this FBI needs no one’s permission to enforce the Constitution,” he wrote on X. “My responsibility is to the American people, not political punch lines. LA is under siege by marauding criminals, and we will restore law and order. I’m not asking you, I’m telling you.”
The FBI has begun canvassing the area and reviewing surveillance footage as it works to identify and apprehend the suspect.
Officials are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
The $50,000 reward highlights the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating this assault.
The protests were reportedly sparked by immigration enforcement efforts involving multiple ICE raids throughout Los Angeles.
Activists claim the operations were heavy-handed, while supporters argue that federal immigration law must be upheld regardless of local political pressure.
The ongoing tension highlights the sharp divide between federal law enforcement and California’s sanctuary jurisdiction policies, which limit cooperation with immigration authorities.
As the investigation continues and the suspect remains at large, the FBI has reiterated its commitment to pursuing those who target federal law enforcement officers.
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