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Bovino didn’t mince words about the message being sent to anti-ICE radicals: “California may coddle criminals, but we don’t. If you assault a federal agent, you earn federal consequences. Remember: When talking to federal law enforcement officers, say it, don’t spray it.”
The arrest followed a viral video showing elite members of the Border Patrol’s BORTAC unit executing a swift takedown of the suspect—who was ironically wearing an anti-ICE shirt when taken into custody.
But Los Angeles isn’t the only Democrat-run city where lawlessness is boiling over.
In Portland, federal prosecutors have charged 24-year-old Robert Jacob Hoopes in connection with a violent attack on an ICE facility during a riot in June. According to the charges, Hoopes launched large rocks at the federal building, one of which struck an agent in the face, causing a deep gash above the eye.
Prosecutors say the violence didn’t stop there. Later that same day, Hoopes and others reportedly ripped out a street sign and used it as a makeshift battering ram, slamming it into the front entrance of the ICE building, causing extensive damage. Authorities say they were able to identify Hoopes thanks to photos posted on social media following the attacks.
Hoopes now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon and destruction of federal property. And he’s not alone.
Since June 13, at least 23 individuals have been charged in Oregon for a litany of crimes connected to violent demonstrations against ICE. Those charges include arson, possession of explosive devices, assault on federal agents, and destruction of government property.
And the lawlessness isn’t limited to the Pacific Northwest. The FBI recently captured one of the most violent suspects involved in the Los Angeles riots after he fled to Mexico. Elpidio Reyna, 39, reportedly hurled concrete blocks at federal vehicles during a vicious street attack on June 7. Surveillance footage showed agents under siege as a mob encircled their cars, and one agent was nearly killed when a block smashed through the windshield of their vehicle.
“When agents attempted to arrest Reyna, he was not located and agents developed information confirming that he fled to Mexico,” the FBI stated. Reyna was eventually tracked down and detained by Mexican authorities in Sinaloa. He was returned to California and is now awaiting trial.
Federal officials confirmed Reyna’s arrest occurred at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, and he has since been transferred back to Los Angeles, where he is expected to appear in court.
The string of violent anti-ICE attacks and subsequent arrests highlight a disturbing trend: federal law enforcement officers are being hunted and assaulted in broad daylight—and the Biden administration remains largely silent.
While Republicans continue to push for stronger border enforcement and protections for law enforcement, the left appears more concerned with defending sanctuary cities and demonizing ICE agents. The result? A dangerous climate where criminals feel emboldened to attack the very people trying to uphold the law.
The arrests announced by the Justice Department are a step in the right direction, but the underlying issue remains—lawlessness is spreading like wildfire in Democrat-run cities, and the men and women on the frontlines are paying the price.
