Los Angeles is on fire. But Trump isn’t taking any guff from the rioters.
Now a shocking video of an ICE arrest put Democrats on notice.
Swift Federal Action Targets LA Rioter
A dramatic video released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday captured federal agents ramming a suspect’s car in Los Angeles to apprehend Christian Damian Cerno-Camacho, a “violent rioter” accused of punching a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
Shared on X amid escalating riots in the city, the footage underscores the Trump administration’s aggressive response to unrest sparked by its deportation crackdown.
“This was no hit-and-run. This was a targeted arrest of a violent rioter who punched a CBP officer,” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the operation.
Critics of local leadership argue the incident highlights the necessity of federal intervention in a city where Mayor Karen Bass has struggled to contain chaos.
The video shows two unmarked SUVs boxing in Cerno-Camacho’s white sedan on a city street, with agents in tactical gear swiftly exiting their vehicles, guns drawn. The suspect emerged with his arms raised, quickly cuffed, and taken into custody, demonstrating the precision and resolve of federal forces in addressing threats to public safety.
WATCH:
This was no hit and run. This was a targeted arrest of a violent rioter who punched a CBP officer. When Homeland Security Investigations tried to arrest Christian Damian Cerno-Camacho for the assault, he attempted to flee. He was ultimately arrested and taken into custody.
Our… pic.twitter.com/cm3r8kVRj0
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 11, 2025
Context of Escalating Unrest in Los Angeles
The arrest follows a weekend of violent protests in Los Angeles, triggered by President Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement operations. The riots, which saw vandalism, attacks on police, and widespread disorder, prompted Trump to deploy 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 U.S. Marines to restore order.
The DHS clarified that Cerno-Camacho’s arrest stemmed from his assault on a CBP officer, with McLaughlin noting, “When Homeland Security Investigations tried to arrest Christian Damian Cerno-Camacho for the assault, he attempted to flee.”
While it remains unclear when the arrest occurred or the specific charges filed, the operation reflects the administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward those inciting violence during the unrest.
The New York Post sought comment from DHS but received no immediate response, leaving some details of the incident pending. The targeted nature of the arrest, however, signals a broader federal effort to crack down on individuals exploiting the protests to commit violent acts, particularly against law enforcement.
Bass’s Leadership Under Fire
The federal response stands in stark contrast to Mayor Karen Bass’s handling of the riots, which critics argue has been inadequate and overly sympathetic to protesters.
Bass has publicly blamed Trump’s deportation policies for inciting the violence, deflecting attention from her administration’s failure to prevent the riots from escalating.
The arrest of Cerno-Camacho, a clear example of a violent offender targeted by federal agents, undermines Bass’s narrative that the protests are merely a reaction to federal overreach. Instead, it highlights the presence of agitators willing to assault officers, justifying the deployment of National Guard and Marine forces to restore calm.
As Los Angeles grapples with ongoing tensions, the DHS’s firm action against individuals like Cerno-Camacho reinforces the administration’s commitment to upholding law and order.
Critics contend that Bass’s reluctance to support federal efforts and her focus on critiquing immigration policy have left the city vulnerable, necessitating decisive federal intervention to protect residents and law enforcement alike.
