California law enforcement is grappling with a surge in violence during ongoing anti-ICE protests, with officers facing prolonged and dangerous confrontations as they try to maintain order in Los Angeles. Jake Johnson, the president of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP), has described the situation as an ‘onslaught,’ highlighting the severity of the violence and the strain on law enforcement resources. The situation has escalated significantly in the past two weeks following ICE raids in the sanctuary city, prompting widespread protests and civil unrest.
Thousands of protesters have descended on Los Angeles, with violence erupting as demonstrators hurled projectiles at officers and set self-driving electric vehicles on fire. In response to the growing unrest, over 640 highway patrol officers have been deployed to the city, along with nearly 400 additional CHP Special Response Team officers. The deployment has placed immense pressure on law enforcement, with officers working long shifts up to 16 to 20 hours a day to manage the situation. Johnson noted the dangers of the environment, citing an incident where an officer was struck in the head by a rock, which could have been fatal had it not been for protective gear.
The Los Angeles Police Department has made over 500 arrests related to protest activity, with charges ranging from assault on police officers to possession of Molotov cocktails and firearms. Nine officers have been injured, though most of the injuries are minor. Despite the arrests and the ongoing police presence, the situation remains volatile. The LAPD and CHP have not yet responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the current developments. President Trump has taken decisive action, deploying more than 4,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles, along with around 700 Marines, to quell the unrest. This move has intensified the ongoing legal battle between Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom over National Guard control, as an appeals court recently blocked a federal judge’s order to return the troops to California’s control.
Johnson emphasized the need for civilian cooperation in identifying and reporting violent protesters, urging the public to take action to support law enforcement efforts. He has called for people to record and report criminal activities they observe, stating it is ‘time to start turning these people in.’ Meanwhile, the National Guard remains primarily stationed to protect federal property and accompany officials during immigration raids. While they have the authority to temporarily detain those who attack officers, actual arrests must be conducted by law enforcement. Johnson has noted that he has not observed any direct interaction between the National Guard and local police, as the Guard has primarily focused on guarding federal facilities.
Staffing shortages have further complicated the situation, with Johnson citing the loss of nearly 1,000 highway patrolmen due to attractive retirement packages. The CAHP represents approximately 7,000 patrolmen deployed throughout the state, yet the shortage has created a significant gap in law enforcement capacity. As protests continue, the situation remains unpredictable, with law enforcement facing the challenge of maintaining public safety without succumbing to political tensions. Johnson reaffirmed that officers are trained to prioritize public safety over personal views, stating that they are ‘very good people’ who are dedicated to their duties.