California looters now face 'hard-charging' consequences after blue state abandoned soft-on-crime approach
Share this @internewscast.com

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Amid ongoing turmoil and flash mob-style looting incidents in Los Angeles, California is decisively shifting toward stricter criminal enforcement measures.

Criminal defense lawyer David Wohl mentioned to Fox News Digital that the penalties are no longer merely a slap on the wrist for looters due to changes in Proposition 47, which previously did not classify theft under $950 as a crime.

“Now we have a very conservative, hard-driving DA in Los Angeles,” Wohl said. “He’s combining the total stolen by each individual co-defendant, and if that exceeds $950, everyone is facing felony charges.” 

In a city once known for turning a blind eye to petty theft and soft prosecution, looters who are taking advantage of protests over federal immigration operations now face stricter penalties.

Looters break into a gas station's market place

President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 troops on June 7 to handle escalating protests against immigration enforcement raids in the Los Angeles area, a move the state’s governor termed “purposefully inflammatory.” (ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images)

William Jacobson, a law professor at Cornell University and founder of EqualProtect.org, offered a sharp critique of California’s criminal justice policies in light of the emergence of looters during the ongoing L.A. protests against immigration enforcement.

“Looting and violence have always been illegal, even in California,” Jacobson told Fox News Digital. “Unfortunately, California’s lax enforcement of the criminal laws, including the former decriminalization of shoplifting, has created a culture of criminality that has played out in numerous riots over the years.”

“The current riots against immigration enforcement and violence targeting both ICE and the community are part of the California political ecosystem,” he said.

Looters in LA

Several stores across downtown Los Angeles were hit by looters in the early morning hours as anti-ICE riots continued.

On Monday night, looters took to the streets and ransacked a series of storefronts, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed with Fox News Digital. Apple and Adidas were among the stores hit by thieves, as well as several mom-and-pop shops. 

“What have they done to my business? I don’t know,” one local business owner shared with Fox News affiliate KKTV. “I have to go inside and see what’s going on. I don’t know what they have done with the business.”

One video, taken by Brendan Gutenschwager, captured looters ransacking an Apple storefront on Monday night. 

The video captured a slew of individuals dashing up to the technology storefront and grabbing goods before dispersing as police arrived. The footage captured the store’s glass windows spray-painted with “F— ICE.”

Other photos showed ransackers disappearing into the night with stolen goods after a smash-and-grab in Compton, a city south of Los Angeles.

It was unclear if the thieves were participating in the ongoing anti-ICE protests or if they were being opportunistic of the city’s unrest.

“Let me be clear: ANYONE who vandalized Downtown or looted stores does not care about our immigrant communities,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a post to X. “You will be held accountable.”

CVS being repaired following L.A. riots

A repairman works outside the CVS store on the corner of 7th and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles after several nights of rioting on June 10, 2025. (Fox News Digital)

On Tuesday and Wednesday, after continued protests, other businesses set out to protect their stores.

Fox News Digital saw a T-Mobile store on the corner of 3rd Street and Broadway boarding up ahead of likely another night of protests in the city. While a security guard protected the property, a repairer worked on the CVS store on the corner of 7th and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles after several nights of rioting.

T-Mobile storefront being boarded up.

After rioters wreaked havoc in downtown Los Angeles on Monday night, workers boarded up the T-Mobile store on the corner of 3rd Street and Broadway on June 10, 2025. (Fox News Digital)

Attorney General Pam Bondi offered a blunt message to would-be robbers and looters in the deep-blue city on “Fox & Friends” Tuesday. 

“If you loot a business in California during this, we’re charging you with robbery under the Hobbs Act. No longer are the days of non-prosecution for looting. It’s a criminal act,” she said. 

The administration is also determined to crack down on those who inflict harm on law enforcement.

“We’ve all made over 190 arrests, [and] more [are] coming. If you hit a police officer, you assault a police officer, state or federal, we are coming after you.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
dog runs away after battery ignites in flames

Heroic Pup Survives Fire After Lithium-Ion Battery Mishap at Assistant Fire Chief’s Home

A newly released video has captured the unexpected moment when a dog…
University fires Turning Point USA table flipper from teaching assistant role after campus outburst

University Dismisses Teaching Assistant Following Viral Turning Point USA Confrontation

An Illinois State University teaching assistant has been dismissed following an incident…
Patrick Warburton likes to embarrass his family at Disney's 'Soarin'' attraction

Patrick Warburton Playfully Embraces Family Fun at Disney’s ‘Soarin” Attraction

LOS ANGELES — Fans of the iconic “Soarin’” attraction will be thrilled…
ICE Chicago news: Federal judge to question ICE, CBP on federal agents' use of force, tear gas at hearing Monday

Federal Judge to Scrutinize ICE and CBP’s Use of Force and Tear Gas in Chicago Hearing

On Monday, a significant legal inquiry will take place in Chicago, focusing…
Truck hits parked van in Midtown Manhattan, pushing vehicle onto sidewalk and injuring 9

Midtown Manhattan Collision: Truck Crashes into Parked Van, Injures 9 as Vehicle Mounts Sidewalk

In a startling event on Monday, a truck collided with a parked…
Man who planned to shoot up Atlanta's airport is arrested in a terminal following a tip, police say

Swift Police Action Thwarts Potential Atlanta Airport Shooting After Crucial Tip-Off

ATLANTA — A man was apprehended at Atlanta’s bustling airport on Monday…
Brazen Louvre robbery crew may have been hired by collector, prosecutor says

Prosecutor Suggests Collector Might Be Behind Daring Louvre Heist

In a bold heist reminiscent of a movie plot, the Louvre Museum…
Adam Beckerink, whose wife, Caitlin Tracey, died at his South Loop, Chicago high-rise, sentenced for domestic violence in Michigan

Chicago High-Rise Tragedy: Adam Beckerink Sentenced for Michigan Domestic Violence Following Wife’s Death

In Berrien County, Michigan, a significant development unfolded on Monday as Adam…
No leads after veteran hit-and-run

Community Seeks Justice: No Leads in Hit-and-Run Case Involving Local Veteran

In pursuit of justice, the family of Edward Hopkins Jr. is demanding…
Blue Jays beat Mariners in Game 7 of ALCS, now face Dodgers in World Series

Blue Jays Triumph Over Mariners in ALCS Finale, Set to Face Dodgers in World Series Showdown

The Toronto Blue Jays triumphed over the Seattle Mariners, clinching a 4-3…
Advice to feed babies peanuts early and often helped 60,000 kids avoid allergies, study finds

New Study Reveals Early Peanut Introduction Prevents Allergies in 60,000 Children

A groundbreaking study conducted a decade ago revealed that introducing peanut products…
Source of 'UFO' panic, drone mystery claims responsibility for frenzy: report

Mystery Solved: Drone Operator Admits Responsibility for Recent UFO Panic

A private aerial contractor has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the…