As chaos continues to unfold in Los Angeles due to federal immigration enforcement, Attorney General Pam Bondi is conveying a message that leaves little room for misinterpretation: federal law will be upheld—and the repercussions will be significant.
During an appearance on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, Bondi condemned the escalating violence occurring in California’s largest city. Her comments came after a weekend filled with intense protests and destructive riots in reaction to President Donald Trump’s ICE crackdown, which has led to hundreds of arrests, including those with criminal records.
“It Looks Like a Third World Country”
Bondi did not hold back in her description of the situation in L.A.
“Look at it out there,” she stated. “It resembles a Third World country, and it’s not. It’s the United States of America. We will not tolerate it.”
Her appearance followed violent scenes of looting, Molotov cocktails, assaults on police, and organized resistance to immigration raids conducted by ICE agents and local law enforcement.
While local officials deliberated the use of federal force, Bondi made it clear that if California fails to act—Washington will.
Nine Already Charged, More Coming
Bondi disclosed that nine individuals have already been charged federally as a result of the weekend unrest. Their alleged crimes include:
Assaulting federal and local law enforcement
Throwing projectiles, such as bricks and bottles
Looting stores and pharmacies
Utilizing incendiary devices like Molotov cocktails
And that is merely the beginning, she cautioned.
“We are going to prosecute them federally,” Bondi asserted.
“If California will not safeguard their law enforcement, we will.”
Spitting, Looting, and Assault Now Federal Crimes
Bondi highlighted existing laws that empower the Department of Justice to charge individuals with federal offenses for actions typically managed at the state level.
Under 18 U.S.C. § 231, anyone who assaults a state or federal law enforcement officer during civil unrest may face up
“You spit, we hit.”
A statement she reiterated with complete endorsement.
High-Profile Arrests and FBI Investigations Underway
Bondi also elaborated on particular cases currently being investigated by federal authorities. One case involved an individual recorded on video smashing cinder blocks and throwing them at police vehicles, which resulted in a severe hand injury to a federal officer.
“He was wearing a mask, but he has now been identified,” Bondi stated.
“The FBI is in the process of executing a search warrant at his residence as we speak.”
According to Bondi, the suspect’s image is now in the system and is likely to be included on a most wanted list.
“You can run, but you cannot hide,” she remarked.
“We are pursuing you at the federal level.”
Backing Law Enforcement Amid Political Pushback
As local and state leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, criticize federal actions, Bondi reaffirmed her support for law enforcement.
“If California politicians refuse to protect their officers, then the DOJ will,” she asserted.
“These men and women in uniform deserve more than mere photo opportunities and hollow statements.”
The attorney general emphasized that violence against officers—even during protests—is not shielded by the First Amendment.
“This is not about free speech. This is about criminal behavior. Assaulting officers, looting businesses, igniting fires—none of that is protected. And we are prepared to apply the full weight of federal law against anyone involved.”
Trump Indicates Potential Invocation of the Insurrection Act
In the meantime, President Trump has elaborated further, indicating that he is contemplating the use of the Insurrection Act should the riots persist unabated in California.
This seldom-utilized statute would permit him to deploy active-duty U.S. military personnel domestically to quell rebellion or obstruction of law.
“The law is unequivocal,” Trump stated.
“If local authorities fail to maintain order, we will intervene.”
Who Is Behind the Riots?
A recent report has also disclosed that one of the organizations involved in the anti-ICE demonstrations is accountable for orchestrating the harassment of ICE agents, executing coordinated disruptions, and allegedly plotting assaults on police infrastructure.
Bondi refrained from naming the organization but mentioned that several investigations are currently in progress.
“We are monitoring the situation,” she remarked. “We are aware of who is responsible, and we are constructing cases. These are not spontaneous protests. These are organized efforts aimed at undermining public safety.”
Final Reflections: “We Will Not Tolerate It”
As the circumstances in Los Angeles continue to develop, the communication from Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Trump administration is crystal clear:
Federal laws will be upheld
Violence against law enforcement will be unacceptable
Looters and rioters will encounter severe repercussions
Bondi articulated it plainly:
“We will not tolerate it—and Donald Trump will not tolerate it either.”
As federal indictments begin to accumulate, protesters may soon realize that actions taken on the streets carry significant ramifications in federal courtrooms.
