A man was arrested for tossing molotov cocktails at a Homeland Security building in Los Angeles, federal authorities said Tuesday.
They said he was shouting “anti-ICE comments” at employees, then threw two firebombs toward the building — including through the building’s sliding door, which was open at the time. The bombs weren’t lit and did not actually catch fire.
The Justice Department said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has offices in the building.
As he was arrested, he yelled at onlookers to “start shooting,” and indicated the federal officers protecting the building. Prosecutors said he also described his actions as a “terrorist attack” and told officers they were “separating families” — a frequent criticism aimed at ICE’s deportation efforts.
“This was a clear and deliberate attack on federal law enforcement, and it is emblematic of the constant attacks these brave men and women endure day in and day out as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists and gang members,” said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at Homeland Security.
“These attacks are the consequences of hateful and un-American rhetoric by sanctuary politicians, activists, and the media who smear our officers with misinformation and false narratives,” she said.
Homeland Security says ICE officers have seen a 1,150% increase in assaults since President Trump took office and ordered mass deportations.
The Justice Department identified the man as Jose Francisco Jovel, 54. He was charged with attempted malicious damage of federal property.
Prosecutors said that hours before the incident at the federal building, Mr. Jovel had set his apartment on fire after receiving an eviction notice.
Ms. McLaughlin said the man had an “extensive” criminal record that includes an attempted murder charge from 1987 and an armed robbery charge in 1991.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass pronounced herself “deeply alarmed” by the incident, but did not grapple with the anti-ICE aspect.
“This type of behavior is absolutely unconscionable,” she said. “Thank you to our LAPD officers and law enforcement partners for their intervention and response. I am grateful that no one was injured.”
Ms. Bass, a Democrat, has battled the Trump administration over its attempt to step up immigration enforcement.
That included legal clashes and harsh words for the feds when ICE targeted Los Angeles for an enforcement surge in June.
