Sec. Kristi Noem Press Briefing on Los Angeles Protests and Federal Law Enforcement Operations

Federal Law Enforcement Response in Los Angeles

• 🇺🇸 Federal protective services and Border Patrol agents are partnering with local authorities in Los Angeles, bringing a whole-of-government approach under the Department of Homeland Security.
• 🛡️ The Army, Marines, National Guard, and military personnel are providing security, demonstrating their commitment to public service and upholding the law.
• ⚖️ The US Attorney's office is ensuring the rule of law is followed, prosecuting those who break the law and perpetuate violence, with consequences for criminal activity.
• 🔍 The Department of Justice, DEA, FBI, and IRS are involved, with the IRS specifically tracking funding for violent protesters from various sources.

Combating Violence and Protecting Officers

• 💥 Law enforcement officers have been assaulted, pelted with rocks and bricks, with their cars set on fire and Molotov cocktails used.
• 🚨 ICE agents have been doxed, and their families put in jeopardy, with assurances that those endangering officers and their families will be prosecuted.
• 🚫 The administration emphasizes that no one is above the law, regardless of citizenship status, and that laws will be equally applied.
• 📈 Assaults against law enforcement and ICE officers have seen a significant increase, with a commitment to arresting and prosecuting those who assault officers.

Federal Operations and Enforcement Strategy

• 🎯 The focus is on removing "bad people" and "bad things" from the country, including illegal aliens, drugs, and known suspected terrorists and gang members.
• 🚔 ICE is conducting operations to arrest gang members, human traffickers, violent drug dealers, and rapists, with a commitment to enforcing immigration missions.
• 🕵️ The FBI is investigating allegations of violence, including assault on law enforcement, looting, arson, doxing, and property damage, and is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a fugitive who assaulted a federal officer.
• ✈️ The option of self-deportation is offered, with a plane ticket and $1,000 provided, to encourage individuals to return home legally, with the warning that those who wait to be arrested will lose the opportunity to return.

Challenges and Future Operations

• 🏛️ Sanctuary policies in California, such as SB54, are making operations more difficult and putting officers in danger by limiting local law enforcement cooperation.
• 🗣️ The administration is committed to upholding the law as written and encourages Congress to address immigration policy changes.
• 📈 Operations are building momentum, with increasing assets and personnel, to ensure peace and safety in Los Angeles.
• 🚧 The focus remains on liberating the city from "socialist and burdensome leadership" and protecting citizens and small businesses from lawlessness.