The U.S. Secret Service has confirmed it is aware of threats made against President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in Los Angeles.
These threats were found spray-painted as graffiti during ongoing riots following a wave of federal immigration arrests.
A spokesperson from the Secret Service did not confirm whether an investigation has been launched but acknowledged the existence of the graffiti, which included messages such as “Kill Trump” and “JD Vance.”
The threatening slogans were discovered in various parts of downtown Los Angeles.
These incidents coincided with escalating unrest in the city triggered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
Federal agents had targeted illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds, sparking violent responses in several neighborhoods, per Fox News.
Among the graffiti were messages like “Burn it all down,” followed by “Kill Trump,” found near areas where riots were intensifying. Another site displayed “Kill Trump” with “JD Vance” written beneath it.
The unrest initially began in Paramount, California, where ICE carried out arrests last weekend. Confrontations quickly erupted between protesters and law enforcement in response to the federal actions.
The violence soon spread to Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) encountered numerous rioters, and the situation devolved as vehicles were set on fire and buildings were vandalized with anti-ICE and anti-Trump slogans.
Protesters were seen attempting to ignite Molotov cocktails, and fireworks exploded in the streets during demonstrations in the Compton neighborhood. The area witnessed significant chaos after ICE made arrests earlier that day.
President Trump responded by activating the California National Guard and U.S. Marines. This led to a legal conflict with Governor Gavin Newsom over jurisdiction and authority related to the deployment of National Guard forces.
Other federal agencies, including the FBI, have also focused their efforts on Los Angeles amid the deteriorating situation. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to upholding law and order.
FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the violence, stating that anyone who assaults law enforcement will face jail time. He emphasized that background, origin, or political motivation would not shield perpetrators from accountability.
Patel expressed that the FBI will take a stand if local governments fail to support law enforcement officers. His message reinforced federal support for maintaining peace and order during the ongoing clashes.
Tear gas was deployed by police during some of the protests, and law enforcement personnel faced numerous violent encounters across the city. Authorities worked to disperse crowds and prevent further escalation.
As of now, hundreds of arrests have been made since the riots began. Law enforcement officials continue to monitor and respond to the unrest as ICE operations persist.
The Trump administration reported that many of the individuals arrested by ICE have been convicted of crimes such as murder, sexual offenses against children, and drug trafficking.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, questioned local officials’ willingness to prioritize criminal illegal immigrants over public safety. She criticized Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for their stance.
McLaughlin also relayed a message from Secretary Noem directed at rioters in Los Angeles, affirming that ICE operations would not be stopped or slowed by the protests.
