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As the anti-ICE unrest persists in Los Angeles and numerous other major U.S. cities, a retired FBI agent suggests that serious charges might be forthcoming for those causing disruption.
“Federal authorities could label violent acts during the protests as ‘domestic terrorism’ if it is proven that the individuals aimed to intimidate the public or sway government decisions through force,” explained Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent, to Fox News Digital.
“While federal law defines domestic terrorism, there is no specific criminal charge by that name,” Pack explained.
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice told Fox News Digital that “nothing is off the table” at this point.
The FBI said that it would be investigating and looking into any organized effort that was created to cause chaos in Los Angeles.
Hundreds have been arrested in Los Angeles as cars have been burned and tensions between rioters and law enforcement have continued to intensify.
During an interview on “The Claman Countdown” last week, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman issued a warning to violent rioters.
“We’re targeting those criminals who are exploiting this protest and otherwise lawful demonstrations to commit violent and illegal acts. We will ensure they are held accountable and brought to justice,” Hochman asserted.
President Trump has received pushback from several Democrat lawmakers after deploying 700 U.S. Marines to assist the police and National Guard in restoring the peace in Los Angeles.
“President Trump will always support and defend the brave law enforcement officers who are being attacked by the violent left-wing rioters. Those who target law enforcement officials will be held accountable to the full extent of the law,” Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman, told Fox News Digital.
Appearing on Fox News last week, Cotton argued it was not the deployment of federal resources or deportation efforts that were “provocative,” but rather the behavior of protesters.
“It’s not provocative to enforce federal law. It’s not provocative to do what President Trump campaigned on,” he said.
“What’s provocative is to have all of these illegal aliens setting cars on fire while waving foreign flags — and now being joined by professional agitators from Antifa and pro-Hamas sympathizers.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
