ICE is just doing its job. If you’re in this country illegally, you’re going to get arrested.
And now a sudden terror attack against ICE is raising alarms nationwide.
Suspect Arrested for Molotov Attack on LA Federal Building Housing ICE Offices
A 54-year-old Los Angeles man faces federal charges after hurling Molotov cocktails at a downtown federal building that contains Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices, describing his actions to arresting officers as a “terrorist attack” in protest of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
Evicted Resident Allegedly Torched Apartment, Then Targeted Federal Officers
Jose Francisco Jovel, a Koreatown resident, is accused of setting fire to his own apartment Monday morning following an eviction before cycling to the Civic Center Federal Building.
Prosecutors say surveillance video captured him throwing one Molotov cocktail through an employee entrance sliding door and another at the public entrance. Though the devices failed to ignite fully, Jovel was seen attempting to light one.
Federal Protective Service officers quickly detained him, recovering five additional Molotov cocktails, a lighter, and knives from his possession.
Jovel allegedly shouted anti-ICE statements, told bystanders to “start shooting these” officers, and complained that “you’re separating families.”
“This case exemplifies how misleading and hateful rhetoric against federal law enforcement can and does result in violence,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli.
“Irresponsible rhetoric by politicians and activists have real-world consequences. It must stop.”
Prior Criminal Record and Rising Threats Against ICE Highlight Broader Concerns
Jovel has been charged with attempted malicious damage of federal property by fire or explosives and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Additional charges remain possible.
“There can be zero tolerance for any targeting of law enforcement officials – let alone violent acts – and we’re lucky that the devices allegedly thrown by the subject did not physically injure anyone,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
“The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is dedicated to investigating and holding accountable anyone who conducts targeted attacks against government employees.”
Court records and law enforcement sources indicate Jovel has prior arrests dating back decades, including attempted murder (1987), armed robbery (1991), and child molestation (2007).
The incident is the latest in a string of violent threats and attacks against ICE personnel and facilities as the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement nationwide. Jovel is scheduled for an initial court appearance Wednesday.
