A top Homeland Security official revealed that a foreign adversary may be behind the violent anti-ICE protests that erupted across Los Angeles last week. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shared this concerning possibility during a recent interview.
According to Just the News, McLaughlin stated during the Tuesday edition of the "Just the News, No Noise" TV show that there are indications pointing to foreign involvement. "We are seeing indications that this is likely a foreign adversary," McLaughlin said, while cautioning that she wouldn't "get ahead of the FBI" in their investigation.
The riots broke out in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arresting illegal migrants throughout Los Angeles. President Donald Trump responded by deploying 2,000 California National Guard members to the city, despite objections from Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom.
Sophisticated Coordination Raises Suspicions
McLaughlin described the protests as displaying unusual levels of organization and sophistication, with evidence suggesting pre-planning and external support. These factors have prompted federal authorities to investigate who might be orchestrating the unrest.
"These are looking like incredibly coordinated and highly sophisticated protests, with pallets of bricks being brought into different cities across the country, including Los Angeles and New York, where we've seen violent protests and riots break out," McLaughlin explained. The presence of construction materials delivered to protest sites has been a particularly suspicious element.
The Department of Homeland Security isn't working alone on this investigation. McLaughlin confirmed they're collaborating with multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, which is leading the investigation, along with the IRS and Homeland Security Investigations to determine the source of the unrest.
Trump's Immigration Enforcement Escalates
President Trump has taken a hardline stance in response to the riots, refusing to back down on immigration enforcement. His administration has indicated this is just the beginning of a broader immigration crackdown.
Trump doubled down on his position Sunday, ordering ICE to utilize all available resources to implement what he described as the "single largest Mass Deportation Program in History." This directive represents a significant escalation in the administration's immigration enforcement strategy.
McLaughlin defended the president's approach, stating that Trump's primary objective is ensuring safety amid the growing unrest. "What he's going to do is keep American cities safe, American citizens safe and our law enforcement safe," she said, adding that Trump has "shown total moral leadership" throughout the crisis.
Congressional Calls For Investigation Mount
As the situation develops, members of Congress have begun demanding formal inquiries into who might be funding or organizing the anti-ICE demonstrations across the country. The coordinated nature of the protests has raised questions about potential external influence.
Rep. Mark Harris, a Republican from North Carolina, has called for Congress and the Department of Justice to investigate who is behind the Los Angeles riots. His specific concern centers on whether any individuals or groups are providing financial backing for the demonstrations.
The call for investigation comes as federal authorities continue gathering evidence about the protests' organization. The sophisticated nature of the demonstrations, including the strategic placement of construction materials and coordinated actions across multiple cities, has fueled speculation about external involvement.
Intelligence Agencies Monitor Foreign Influence
As federal agencies work to uncover who might be behind the riots, the investigation represents a significant national security concern amid increasing tensions over immigration enforcement policy. McLaughlin's statements mark the first official acknowledgment of possible foreign interference.
The FBI is taking the lead role in determining whether foreign adversaries are attempting to exploit domestic tensions surrounding immigration policy. Investigators are examining financial transactions, communication patterns, and the organizational structure behind the protests.
With President Trump's immigration enforcement operations continuing despite the unrest, federal officials remain on high alert for additional disturbances. The deployment of National Guard troops underscores the administration's commitment to maintaining order while proceeding with deportation operations.