Anti-ICE rioters may face domestic terrorism federal charges as Trump admin sends stern message: ret FBI agent
Share and Follow


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

As the anti-ICE riots and unrest continue in Los Angeles and across many major U.S. cities, a retired FBI agent says serious charges could be coming against those who are wreaking havoc. 

“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,” Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent, told Fox News Digital.

“While federal law defines domestic terrorism, there is no specific criminal charge by that name,” Pack explained.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice told Fox News Digital that “nothing is off the table” at this point. 

The FBI said that it would be investigating and looking into any organized effort that was created to cause chaos in Los Angeles. 

Hundreds have been arrested in Los Angeles as cars have been burned and tensions between rioters and law enforcement have continued to intensify. 

During an interview on “The Claman Countdown” last week, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman issued a warning to violent rioters.

“We’re coming after those criminals because they’re using this protest and otherwise legitimate protest to commit these violent and criminal acts. We’re gonna hold them accountable, and they’ll be brought to justice,” Hochman vowed. 

President Trump has received pushback from several Democrat lawmakers after deploying 700 U.S. Marines to assist the police and National Guard in restoring the peace in Los Angeles.

“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,” Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman, told Fox News Digital. 

Appearing on Fox News last week, Cotton argued it was not the deployment of federal resources or deportation efforts that were “provocative,” but rather the behavior of protesters.

“It’s not provocative to enforce federal law. It’s not provocative to do what President Trump campaigned on,” he said.

“What’s provocative is to have all of these illegal aliens setting cars on fire while waving foreign flags — and now being joined by professional agitators from Antifa and pro-Hamas sympathizers.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for comment. 

Fox News Digital’s Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Former Kentucky Gov. Martha Layne Collins has died at 88

Honoring the Legacy: Former Kentucky Gov. Martha Layne Collins Passes Away at 88

Martha Layne Collins, Kentucky’s trailblazing first and only female governor, passed away…
5 ways Halloween candies can interact with your medications

Five Surprising Interactions Between Halloween Candy and Medications You Should Know

Don’t let those sweet treats trick you this Halloween. Each year, Americans…

California Animal Shelter Successfully Rescues Close to 100 Small Pets from One Residence

In a significant rescue operation this week, Pasadena Humane saved close to…

Dozens of Cats Saved from Overcrowded San Diego Apartment

In a heartwarming rescue operation in San Diego, authorities saved 40 cats…
California dad Chris Davison stabbed going to Halloween fest, saved by kids using dino sticker

Heroic Kids Save California Dad from Halloween Horror with Quick-Thinking Dino Sticker Strategy

A California dad is hailing his two young children as heroes after…
Trump threatens Nigeria with potential military action, escalates claim of Christian persecution

Trump Considers Military Response to Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria

In a bold move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that…
Top Armed Services senators want answers on boat strikes

Top Senators Demand Answers on Increasing Boat Strikes: A Call for Urgent Action and Accountability

On Friday, the leaders of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, representing…
Wisconsin becomes the 36th state to limit cellphones in schools

Wisconsin Pioneers Student Focus: Cellphone Restrictions Now in Schools!

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin joined the growing list of states curbing…