“If you spit on a federal law enforcement officer, we are going to charge you… You’re looking at up to five years.” – Pam Bondi
At least nine people are facing federal charges for their roles in violent immigration protests across Los Angeles, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Monday.
Charges include assaulting police with Molotov cocktails, looting, and spitting on law enforcement. “We are going to prosecute them federally,” Bondi told Fox News. “If California won’t protect their law enforcement, we will.”
Protests erupted across Los Angeles following immigration raids, prompting President Trump to deploy up to 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines—moves opposed by Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who argue the military presence is escalating tensions.
Among those charged is David Huerta, president of SEIU California, who was arrested while protesting worker arrests downtown. He was released on a $50,000 bond.
Bondi added: “If you spit on a federal officer, we are going to charge you federally. You are looking at up to five years.”
The crackdown contrasts sharply with Trump’s prior pardons for Capitol riot participants.