Federal Authorities Charge 12 in Violent Southern California Immigration Protests

Federal authorities have charged 12 individuals in connection with violent protests against immigration policies linked to the Trump administration, focusing on incidents during demonstrations in Southern California this summer. The protests escalated from peaceful gatherings to violent confrontations, including attacks on law enforcement officers, destruction of property such as police vehicles, and the use of incendiary devices. Key events include a June 8 clash on a freeway overpass in downtown Los Angeles where protesters threw objects at California Highway Patrol officers, prompting deployment of the National Guard and use of tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse crowds. Among the charged are suspects accused of conspiracy to impede federal officers and assaulting an FBI SWAT team with pepper spray. Authorities emphasize that while peaceful protest is protected, violence and obstruction of federal operations are not constitutionally permitted and have vowed to hold those responsible accountable. The FBI is also offering rewards for information on additional unidentified individuals involved in these violent acts.