LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Los Angeles police detained more than 200 people during Tuesday night protests and confirmed two officers were injured in the ongoing unrest that has swept parts of the city this week. Two individuals were federally charged with allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails at officers, though no injuries resulted from the incendiary attacks, authorities said.
The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement Wednesday that 203 individuals were detained for failing to disperse after repeated orders, while 17 others were taken into custody for violating an 8 p.m. curfew in effect across parts of the city. Additional arrests were made for possessing a firearm, assaulting officers, and targeting a police airship with a laser.
Police said “numerous” less-lethal rounds were used to control crowds during the protest. Two officers sustained injuries Tuesday night, bringing the total number of injured officers to nine since the demonstrations began several days ago.
Molotov Cocktail Charges Announced
Federal authorities charged two people with possession of an unregistered destructive device in connection with Molotov cocktail attacks targeting law enforcement during the protests. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the charges during a news conference Wednesday, stating the crime carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
“You can make a statement, but you can’t throw bombs or Molotov cocktails,” Essayli said.
Officials said no officers were struck by the devices. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are reviewing surveillance video, body-worn camera footage, and social media content to identify additional suspects. Essayli said further charges are expected in the coming days and weeks.
DHS Announces Immigration Arrests Amid Unrest
Separately, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the arrests of nine individuals in Los Angeles on Monday and Tuesday, all with prior criminal convictions. The agency said the offenses ranged from homicide and burglary to drug trafficking and child endangerment.
In a sharply worded statement, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin criticized California officials for opposing federal immigration enforcement. “How much longer will Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass continue to prioritize these criminal illegal aliens over their own citizens?” McLaughlin said. “Secretary Kristi Noem has a message to the LA rioters: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law and arrest criminal illegal aliens.”
The arrests were framed by federal officials as part of a broader law enforcement crackdown in response to the week’s protests, which have drawn national attention for incidents of violence and alleged police overreach.
