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A notorious yet careless criminal attempted to target agents at a federal immigration center in Los Angeles by throwing unlit Molotov cocktails and shouting anti-ICE slogans from the street. This blunder rendered his attack ineffective.
The man, identified as 54-year-old Jose Francisco Jovel, who has a criminal record spanning almost 40 years, was apprehended following the incident at the Los Angeles Federal Building on Monday. During his arrest, he continued to express hostile intentions against ICE, even threatening to destroy the building and harm the officers present.
“This attack was a direct and intentional threat towards federal law enforcement and highlights the ongoing dangers these courageous individuals face daily as they work to detain dangerous criminals,” stated Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement from Homeland Security.
Authorities reported Jovel was carrying additional unignited Molotov cocktails, along with four knives and a Leatherman multi-tool. Since the bottles failed to ignite, no fires, injuries, or damage to the federal property were reported.
Jovel’s criminal history includes an attempted murder charge dating back to 1987, an armed robbery charge in 1991, and a charge related to inappropriate conduct with a minor in 2007.
Jovel is also suspected of igniting a fire at his own Koreatown apartment, the Los Angeles Times reported.
ICE agents have faced an unprecedented 1,150% uptick in assaults and a staggering 8,000% increase in death threats since the Trump administration launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration.
“Our officers are facing mass assaults, vehicles used as weapons against them, and even targeted shootings. These attacks are the consequences of hateful and un-American rhetoric by sanctuary politicians, activists, and the media who smear our officers with misinformation and false narratives. Secretary Noem has been clear: anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” McLaughlin added.
Jovel is likely to face arson and explosives-related charges in the botched attack.