Tensions between Los Angeles and the federal government reached a new level as Homeland Security Secretary Christa Noem ratcheted rhetoric against Democratic leaders in Los Angeles and California on Thursday.
While holding a press conference in Los Angeles, Noem pledged to continue immigration operations in Los Angeles, warning violent protesters to arrest and prosecution.
“We won’t leave. We’re staying here to release this city from the socialists and this mayor in this country and to free them from what they tried to insert into this city.
She did not prove whether the workplace where the ice manipulation occurred was related to the “worst and worst” criminals her department is chasing, but she confirmed that more immigration enforcement operations are coming.
“We’re chasing people in the workplace, people who are trafficking drugs, people who are trafficking,” Noem said.
After the Department of Homeland Security examined family relationships earlier this year and revived DNA testing at the border to prevent child trafficking, NOEM highlighted its efforts to prevent suspected trafficking at an LA press conference.
“We’re testing our kids because when we see people who claim to be family, we see them many times that people who claim to be theirs,” she insisted.
He acknowledged that the Los Angeles immigration operations were “more difficult” due to the sanctuary policy, as it was “on the table” to add the idea of starting more units.
“We don’t have backups for your local enforcement. It puts our officers at risk,” Noem said.
As of Thursday morning, at least 14 criminal charges had been filed in federal court. Two of them were allegedly attacked federal officials. Other complaints were also linked to ATF and the Department of Homeland Security investigations.
Also during a press conference, acting ice director Todd Lyons argued that immigrant enforcement focused on gang members, human traffickers, violent drug dealers and rapists. He disputed the allegations that ICE agents were making warrantless arrests.
“Even so, the city was against us and we had violent protesters. That won’t happen because ice men and women aren’t blocked by this,” Lions said.
Akil Davis, assistant director for the FBI Los Angeles, said he is investigating allegations of violence, whether assault, looting, arson, doxing, or vandalism against law enforcement officials or civilians.
He announced that the FBI is seeking information about Elpidio Reina. A $50,000 reward had previously been provided for information that led to Reina’s arrest.
Davis also highlighted that the FBI arrested Alejandro Orellana on Thursday morning for “providing masks and facial shields to violent rioters throughout the week.”
Source link
