U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, delivered a blunt message Monday: no amount of rioting or political pressure will halt ICE’s enforcement actions. Speaking to Fox News, he assured that federal efforts would only intensify, not back down.
Essayli emphasized that violence and protest have the opposite effect—prompting additional federal and military resources to Los Angeles—not a suspension of immigration operations. “Absolutely not,” he stated when asked if unrest could derail ICE raids.
Investigators are actively reviewing video, photos, and social media from recent clashes involving looting, arson, and attacks on federal agents. Essayli assured that those responsible will be identified and prosecuted, saying, “It’s coming.”
This announcement follows several days of protests in Los Angeles sparked by ICE detention actions, which led to property destruction, injuries, and mass demonstrations. In response, President Trump invoked Title 10 authority to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to support law enforcement and restore order.
California Democrats and local officials have condemned the National Guard presence as federal overreach. Nevertheless, Essayli underscored that federal law supersedes state objections when national enforcement is deemed necessary.
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that many of the individuals detained during recent ICE operations in California had prior criminal convictions, including assault, DUI, and theft. Officials state these operations target those who pose a public safety risk, not families or peaceful residents. Federal authorities argue that local sanctuary policies obstruct cooperation and make such targeted enforcement actions necessary.
President Trump’s administration has emphasized restoring law and order as a top priority. Speaking at a recent press conference, administration officials reiterated that enforcement of immigration law is not optional, even in states that oppose federal directives. Trump’s move to deploy the National Guard follows similar actions in previous terms to respond to civil unrest and bolster overwhelmed local police.
California remains one of the most vocal sanctuary states, with numerous city and county governments refusing to cooperate with federal immigration detainers. These policies have led to growing tensions between state and federal authorities. Essayli’s comments signal the DOJ’s intent to assert federal jurisdiction regardless of local political resistance, especially in matters of national security and immigration enforcement.
