Sheriff Robert G. Luna announced that nearly a dozen Los Angeles County deputies have been injured during the violent anti-ICE protests that started on June 6, 2025, telling the press that several officers had been hurt by homemade incendiary devices, rocks, and other makeshift weapons.
For context, on June 13, 2025, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna told reporters that 10 deputies had been injured during the protests since they broke out on June 6, explaining that the city’s police had been dealing with “some interesting weapons,” adding that the protests had indeed turned extremely violent and calling for an end to the chaos.
During the press conference, Sheriff Luna told reporters that officers had “been encountering some interesting weapons out there,” referring to the escalating violence during the anti-ICE protests. He added that there was a “big difference between the peaceful protesters and the individuals who are coming out with weapons to attack our folks.”
In addition, Sheriff Luna acknowledged that protestors had reasons to be aggrieved, saying, “It’s a good cause, but we do not want violent agitators out there destroying property or committing acts of violence specifically against our police officers, deputy sheriffs and CHP officers.”
Moreover, the sheriff issued a stern warning about the threat level officers are facing during the ongoing demonstrations, saying, “I just want to remind everybody that our deputies have and continue to face a dangerous situation out there.” Likewise, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said that those who “harm others, including our officers…will be arrested.”
Additionally, Chief McDonnell provided further background on the LAPD’s approach to the protests, saying, “We’re closely monitoring developments and deploying our personnel and resources strategically to protect public safety while safeguarding every individual’s right to protest peacefully.” The police chief added, “We will not allow violence, vandalism, or threats to public safety to undermine the rights of those who are demonstrating lawfully.”
Moving on, Chief McDonnell said that the implementation of a curfew in Los Angeles in response to the riots “has played a key role in helping to restore order, particularly by curbing the criminal activity that was largely occurring during the evening hours.” In addition, the police chief admonished citizens who planned to participate in future protests “to do so peacefully and respectfully.”
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Furthermore, during the press conference, Sheriff Luna told reporters that the LAPD was “here to facilitate peaceful protests and demonstrations.” He added, “Much of our effort is not aimed at stopping these activities…we want them to move forward.” However, the sheriff later clarified, “Extreme violence will not be tolerated. If we’re not arresting you at the moment violence occurs, rest assured, we are identifying individuals who have committed acts of violence against our agencies.”
Watch the press conference:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video