As anti-ICE protests continue to escalate in cities like Los Angeles and across major U.S. urban centers, a retired FBI special agent has sounded the alarm over organized anarchist groups hijacking peaceful demonstrations with sophisticated tactics aimed at inciting violence against law enforcement. Jason Pack, a former FBI agent, warned that these groups could soon face serious charges, including potential domestic terrorism allegations if their actions are deemed politically motivated and violent. Pack told Fox News Digital that federal authorities may label such acts as terrorism if evidence suggests the individuals intended to intimidate the public or influence government decisions through force, as per existing legal frameworks.
While the U.S. legal system does not currently have a specific crime labeled ‘domestic terrorism,’ Pack explained that prosecutors can still leverage existing statutes like arson, assault on federal officers, destruction of property, and conspiracy. The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that it is not ruling out any legal avenues and emphasized that the situation remains a pressing concern. Pack noted the significance of distinguishing between peaceful protest and violent actions, stating that the former is protected under the First Amendment, while the latter could lead to severe consequences.
Further compounding the situation, legal experts like John Yoo, a former deputy assistant attorney general and UC Berkeley law professor, have echoed Pack’s concerns, asserting that the DOJ has ample grounds to pursue charges against individuals who obstruct federal officers or undermine the justice system. However, Pack made it clear that these measures do not apply to peaceful demonstrators, only to those who engage in or plan politically motivated acts of violence. He highlighted that the anarchists’ tactics are meticulously organized, using encrypted messaging platforms like Signal and Telegram for coordination, and their operations are designed to incite chaos and hijack legitimate protests.
Law enforcement analysts have placed the blame for the escalating unrest on a core group of about 60 organized anarchists who infiltrated the protest crowds. Pack described how these individuals, often arriving late and changing into civilian clothes to avoid detection, employ strategic techniques to create gaps in police lines, provoke crowd reactions, and generate violent confrontations. He also mentioned that their actions have a significant impact, as they deliberately target highly visible locations such as bridges, courthouses, and highways to maximize their ability to influence public opinion through recorded videos spread via social media.
Sen. Tom Cotton has introduced two bills aimed at imposing stricter consequences on violent protesters, particularly those targeting federal agents or individuals in the country illegally. Cotton asserted that his legislation is a response to incidents like the violent rioting associated with the 2020 George Floyd protests, which were characterized by similar tactics. The FBI has confirmed its commitment to investigating any organized efforts aimed at causing public disorder, and law enforcement agencies are working closely with local authorities to manage the situation. Hundreds of arrests have already been made in Los Angeles, with tensions continuing to rise between rioters and law enforcement.
The White House has been vocal in its support for law enforcement efforts, with President Trump emphasizing the need to defend and support police officers, particularly in the face of rising violence. Meanwhile, some Democrat lawmakers have criticized the deployment of federal resources, arguing it may be seen as provocative. Despite these political tensions, the focus remains on addressing the underlying issues of organized violence in protests and ensuring justice is served without compromising constitutional rights.