Assaults Against ICE Agents Lead to Arrests in Southern California

Federal prosecutors vow to prosecute anti-ICE violence to prevent chaos and protect public safety

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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About 100 alleged perpetrators have been arrested in Southern California for assaulting federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during recent protests and riots. Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, has made it clear that anti-ICE lawbreakers will face prosecution to prevent the normalization of criminal conduct and potential violence against agents, bystanders, or protesters themselves.

Why it matters

Enforcing laws against violence improves peace and safety for all residents of Los Angeles and the region. It prevents the normalization of criminal conduct like doxxing agents, hurling objects at officers, and throwing Molotov cocktails, which could lead to people being hurt or killed. Deterring such violence also helps avoid the chaos seen in other cities during anti-ICE protests.

The details

Among the latest arrests is Peter Escalante Hernandez, who is accused of assaulting a federal officer during a recent riot and brandishing a replica gun at federal agents in downtown LA. Essayli said the riots in Los Angeles ended when authorities started jailing perpetrators, helping prevent Minneapolis-level anti-ICE chaos in California.

  • About 100 alleged perpetrators have been arrested in Southern California since the recent protests and riots.

The players

Bill Essayli

First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, who has vowed to prosecute anti-ICE lawbreakers to prevent violence and chaos.

Peter Escalante Hernandez

An alleged perpetrator accused of assaulting a federal officer and brandishing a replica gun during a recent riot in downtown LA.

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What they’re saying

“The riots (in Los Angeles) ended when we started putting people in jail.”

— Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case against Peter Escalante Hernandez will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of enforcing laws against violence to maintain public safety and prevent the normalization of criminal conduct during protests. It also underscores the need for demonstrators to obey the law and show respect for law enforcement, rather than resorting to riots and attacks on federal agents.