California police plead for help amid officer shortage as union boss warns of unprecedented riot ‘onslaught’
Share this @internewscast.com

As demonstrations against immigration raids in Los Angeles continue to grow, state law enforcement officials are issuing warnings about the heightened risks faced by officers during these protests.

“I’ve been in this field for a long time, and I’ve encountered situations like this,” Jake Johnson, who is the president of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP), mentioned to Fox News Digital. “However, the intensity of this current situation is unprecedented.”

In the past couple of weeks, thousands have gathered in Los Angeles following raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in this sanctuary city. The protests have turned violent, with participants throwing objects at officers and torching various self-driving electric vehicles.

California Highway Patrol during the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles

California Highway Patrol (CHP) close the bridges and access to the 101 Freeway after curfew was put into effect following days of protests in response to federal immigration operations in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025.  (Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images)

The Guard has been sent to protect federal property and accompany officials on immigration raids. While the troops do have the ability to temporarily detain people who attack officers, any arrests must be made by law enforcement. 

“As far as the interaction with [the National Guard], I haven’t seen any interaction with them,” Johnson said. “For the three or four nights I was out there, I didn’t see any National Guard. I saw what [was] on the news. They’re guarding federal facilities, but they haven’t been integrated with any of us.” 

Johnson leads a union that represents approximately 7,000 patrolmen deployed throughout the state. However, he points to staffing shortages caused by attractive retirement packages, leaving a gaping hole in the department’s headcount. 

“We’re almost down one thousand bodies for highway patrolmen in California,” Johnson said, adding, “We have a really hard time filling in the positions.” 

As the anti-ICE protests stretch into their second week, law enforcement throughout Los Angeles is bracing for the unknown. 

“When you’re out there and it’s a very dangerous situation, you don’t think about the politics or your personal politics,” Johnson said. “Cops are very good at that. I’ve been around these guys for decades and they’re my brothers and sisters. And I know they’re very, very good people. And although they might have their personal views, it doesn’t spill over into these situations.” 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Olivia Munn shades Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez after over-the-top $50M wedding

Olivia Munn Throws Shade at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Extravagant $50M Wedding

Olivia Munn is back at it. The actress, who drew attention in…
Ukraine moves toward withdrawing from treaty banning anti-personnel mines

Ukraine Considers Exiting Agreement on Banning Landmines

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted a decision to withdraw Ukraine…
Chilling image shows Idaho firefighter ambush suspect in war paint before deadly attack

Eerie Photo Reveals Idaho Firefighter Ambush Suspect in War Paint Prior to Fatal Assault

Authorities released an image from social media on Monday depicting the suspect…
Trump administration sues Los Angeles, claiming the city refuses to cooperate on immigration

Trump Administration Files Lawsuit Against Los Angeles for Non-Cooperation on Immigration

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Trump administration initiated a lawsuit on Monday…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker narrowing down list of potential running mates for 3rd term bid; Christian Mitchell among candidates

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Shortlists Potential Running Mates for Third Term; Christian Mitchell in Consideration

CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is in the process of…
Paramount, Trump in 'advanced' settlement talks: court filing

Paramount and Trump Engaged in ‘Advanced’ Settlement Discussions, Court Documents Reveal

Paramount Global and former President Donald Trump are in the midst of…
Canadian Prime Minister Carney says trade talks with US resume after Canada rescinded tech tax

Canadian Prime Minister Carney Announces Resumption of Trade Talks with the US Following Tech Tax Repeal

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said late Sunday trade talks with U.S.…
Chicago budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson, officials looking for ways to close projected $1.2B budget shortfall

Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson and Officials Seeking Solutions for $1.2 Billion Deficit

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s budget director has stated that 2026 is anticipated…
‘Cobra Kai’ star Alicia Hannah-Kim breaks silence after Martin Kove bite

‘Cobra Kai’ Star Alicia Hannah-Kim Speaks Out After Incident With Martin Kove

Alicia Hannah-Kim is finally speaking out about her altercation with “Cobra Kai”…
Nets get Michael Porter Jr. from Nuggets for Cam Johnson in trade

Brooklyn Nets Acquire Michael Porter Jr. in Exchange for Cam Johnson from Denver Nuggets

The Nets trade that felt inevitable for months finally happened. On Monday,…
Please make sure the 'big bill' doesn't let Big Tech destroy US

Ensure Major Legislation Prevents Big Tech from Harming the U.S.

We’re not entirely sure that Senator Marsha Blackburn’s notable intervention will be…
Queens bus routes see upheaval as MTA sends 'ambassadors,' CEO to warn riders of changes

Queens Bus Routes Undergo Changes as MTA Deploys ‘Ambassadors’ and CEO to Inform Riders

The MTA launched a major overhaul of the Queens bus system —…