The Department of Justice has made multiple arrests recently amid a surge in attacks on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents, reaching record levels. On Friday, Gregory K. Bovino, Commander of Operation At Large California, announced the arrest of a suspect accused of assaulting federal officers during immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
A video posted to X shows Border Patrol\u2019s elite BORTAC unit apprehending a man who allegedly spit on agents while wearing an anti-ICE t-shirt. Bovino stated, \u201cThis U.S. citizen is accused of assaulting a federal agent by spitting on him during an immigration arrest.\u201d He added, \u201cIf you assault a federal agent, you earn federal consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier this week, the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office in Oregon announced charges against Robert Jacob Hoopes, 24, for aggravated assault on a federal officer and destruction of federal property during a riot outside a Portland ICE facility in June. Hoopes allegedly threw large rocks at agents, injuring one, and later used a street sign as a battering ram on the facility\u2019s entrance.<\/p>\n
Since June 13, Oregon prosecutors have charged 23 individuals connected to violence at the ICE facility, including arson and possession of destructive devices. These cases highlight the increasing dangers faced by federal agents during enforcement operations.<\/p>\n
In Los Angeles, federal officials captured Elpidio Reyna, 39, a suspect wanted for attacking federal vehicles with concrete blocks during riots in June. After fleeing to Mexico, Reyna was detained in Sinaloa and returned to Los Angeles to face charges. The FBI noted that he was sought after launching projectiles at agents, injuring at least one.<\/p>\n