Attorney General Pam Bondi Says L.A. Is Like ‘A Third-World Country,’ Promises Federal Charges For Violent ICE Protesters

by Sherry ChenJune 13, 2025, 5:13 pmNews >

Attorney General Pam Bondi has taken her criticism of Los Angeles protesters to the next level. In new comments, she likened L.A. to “a third world country,” declaring that violent protesters will face federal charges.

Bondi stated that at least nine protesters have been charged due to their activity against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In an interview with Fox News, Bondi said that the protesters have been charged for using Molotov cocktails against police, as well as looting and spitting on officers. She noted that if the state of California doesn’t intervene to protect officers, the federal government intends to intervene and charge protesters for attacking agents.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles, and on Monday, he deployed an additional 2,000 National Guard troops, as well as 700 Marines. Trump has toyed with the idea of using the 1807 Insurrection Act as a justification for sending in military forces to combat protesters. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has filed suit to block the Marines won an injunction on Thursday.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Bondi said the federal government intends to “enforce the law, regardless of what they do.” She noted that any arrested protesters charged with crimes may face up to five years in prison.

David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union California, has already been charged in LA. He was injured and arrested during a protest against the arrest of workers in L.A. On Monday, he was released with a $50,000 bond.

The Trump administration’s decision to detain protesters contrasts with the president’s pardons for the 1,500 people who invaded the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, who opposed the certification of the 2020 election results.