Federal prosecutors are now pursuing terrorism charges against anti-ICE protesters who deployed Molotov cocktails, attacked officers, and orchestrated mass riots that left hundreds arrested and many injured during nationwide demonstrations against immigration enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Federal authorities are considering classifying violent anti-ICE protests as “domestic terrorism” due to organized anarchist groups using demonstrations as cover for planned violence.
- Over 575 arrests have been made in Los Angeles alone, with serious federal charges filed against individuals who assaulted officers and attempted arson.
- President Trump deployed 700 U.S. Marines to assist local law enforcement in restoring order, despite opposition from Democrat lawmakers.
- An illegal immigrant faces attempted murder charges for throwing a Molotov cocktail at federal officers during the riots.
- The IRS has launched investigations into the funding sources behind these organized protests, examining various organizations and nonprofits.
Orchestrated Violence Masquerading as Protest
What began as “No Kings Day” protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies has devolved into organized chaos across major American cities. Over 2,000 demonstrations with more than 5 million participants have taken place nationwide, but a core group of anarchists has hijacked legitimate protests to execute planned violence. In Los Angeles, tensions escalated when protesters allegedly threw concrete and fireworks at police officers outside a federal building, prompting authorities to issue dispersal orders and make hundreds of arrests.
Law enforcement analysts have identified sophisticated tactics being employed by these groups, designed specifically to provoke police response and spread unrest. Retired FBI agent Jason Pack warns that these are not spontaneous outbursts but calculated operations.
“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.
Federal Charges Mount Against Violent Agitators
The Department of Justice has begun filing serious charges against those involved in the violence. William Rubio faces felony charges for assaulting a police officer and using a destructive device during the riots. Alejandro Orellana is 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, after celebrating his actions on social media.
Most alarmingly, an illegal immigrant, Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, is now charged with attempted murder for throwing a Molotov cocktail at federal officers. These severe charges demonstrate the administration’s commitment to restoring law and order in affected communities, with prosecutors examining the possibility of applying terrorism-related charges to these cases.
“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 U.S. Assistant Attorney General.
Trump Administration Takes Decisive Action
President Trump has responded forcefully to the escalating violence, deploying 700 U.S. Marines to assist local law enforcement in Los Angeles despite pushback from Democrat lawmakers. The FBI has launched investigations into the organized efforts behind the chaos, while the IRS is examining the funding sources of various organizations suspected of bankrolling the protests. With over 575 arrests in Los Angeles alone, the administration’s message is clear: violence against law enforcement and public property 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.
The application of domestic terrorism designations, while not a specific criminal charge under federal law, allows prosecutors to pursue enhanced penalties for those using violence to intimidate the public or influence government policy. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr explained the legal framework: “If you engage in violence for the purpose of changing public policy, you can be charged with Domestic Terrorism.” This approach signals the administration’s determination to crush violent resistance to its immigration enforcement policies.
