Federal agents are under legal fire in California after a lawsuit filed Thursday accuses the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of excessive force during immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles. The lawsuit, brought by the ACLU of Southern California, alleges that DHS agents assaulted protesters, reporters, and legal observers during a wave of anti-ICE demonstrations earlier this month.
The protests erupted after President Trump’s administration initiated a new series of immigration sweeps targeting illegal aliens across Southern California. According to the complaint, DHS agents wore heavy paramilitary gear, covered identifying information, and used tear gas and rubber bullets against crowds opposing ICE operations. The lawsuit claims these enforcement efforts violated constitutional protections of assembly and press freedom.
As tensions escalated, violent “No Kings” protests followed, seeking to disrupt law enforcement activity. In response to growing unrest, DHS—backed by Secretary Kristi Noem—coordinated with National Guard units and Marines to restore order and ensure federal agents could carry out their duties.
The department has rejected the allegations, citing a sharp rise in attacks against ICE officers. DHS data shows a 500 percent spike in assaults on agents nationwide. One recent incident involved an ICE officer being dragged by a car during the arrest of a known sex offender.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blamed the surge in violence on Democratic leaders and sanctuary city policies. She named Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as contributing to anti-ICE sentiment. McLaughlin condemned comparisons of ICE agents to Nazis and the glorification of riotous behavior.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem reinforced the administration’s stance. “If you assault a law enforcement officer, we are going to come after you,” she stated during a press conference. She pledged full prosecution of those attacking federal agents.
Federal immigration officials have long faced criticism and obstruction from left-wing activists. Breitbart previously reported that anti-ICE groups have not only interfered with raids but also publicly exposed the identities of federal agents, endangering their safety and families. Despite ongoing controversy, DHS emphasized that most of the individuals arrested under President Trump’s renewed enforcement strategy have criminal records or pending charges.
