LA County DA Nathan Hochman on ICE Raids, Protestor Conduct, and Law Enforcement

DA's Role in Immigration Enforcement

• 🎯 The LA County District Attorney's office is not involved in federal civil immigration enforcement and did not participate in recent ICE raids.
• ⚖️ The DA's office does not prosecute violations of immigration law; this is the responsibility of the federal government.

Protecting Public Safety and First Amendment Rights

• 🛡️ The DA's office is committed to fiercely defending individuals engaged in protected speech and assembly.
• 🚨 However, if protestors cross the line into illegal actions such as setting cars on fire, attacking law enforcement, or vandalizing property, they will be arrested, prosecuted, and punished.
• 💥 Actions like throwing cinder blocks, leaking stores, or vandalizing buildings are defined as crimes and will be met with accountability.

Law Enforcement Coordination and Civil Unrest

• 🤝 The DA is in regular contact with the Sheriff and Police Chief regarding the need for additional law enforcement, but emphasizes that LA County has tens of thousands of officers capable of handling civil unrest.
• 📉 While a small fraction of the population has participated in illegal activities, their actions create enormous harm, necessitating a strong law enforcement response.
• 🏛️ If the federal government wishes to bring in additional troops or officers to protect federal property, that is their prerogative.

Consequences for Criminal Conduct During Protests

• ⛓️ Potential charges for crimes committed during protests include felonies for actions like setting cars on fire or dropping cinder blocks, which can lead to years in state prison.
• 📹 The office is reviewing extensive video evidence to identify and arrest individuals who have committed crimes, even if they haven't been apprehended yet.
• ⚠️ A clear message is being sent as a warning shot to anyone considering committing such crimes: they will be held fully accountable.

Federal vs. State Legal Processes

• ⚖️ Regarding the case of SEIU leader David Wear, the DA notes that bail is a constitutional right in California but not in the federal system, where processes differ significantly.
• 🧐 The U.S. Attorney's office will evaluate the evidence to determine if a case can be built against individuals facing federal charges.