FBI Deputy Director Bongino says 'obey the law or go to jail' amid anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Saturday that attacking law enforcement officers amid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles won't be tolerated and those participating can either "obey the law or go to jail."

"The Right to assemble and protest does not include a license to attack law enforcement officers, or to impede and obstruct our lawful immigration operations," Bongino wrote on the social media platform, X. 

"We are thoroughly reviewing the evidence from yesterday’s incident in Los Angeles and we are working with the US Attorney’s Office to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice," he continued. "The days of chaos ruling the streets are over. Either obey the law, or go to jail, there’s no third option."

Federal agents conducted two major raids on Friday in Southern California, including one raid that featured flash-bang grenades to disperse an angry crowd in Los Angeles.

The first raid took place at a clothing wholesaler in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles. The second raid saw federal agents descend on a Home Depot where illegal migrants who are looking for day labor go to find work.

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons put out a statement that rioters assaulted federal law enforcement officers and criticized Democratic Mayor Karen Bass for her poor leadership during the incident. 

“What took place in Los Angeles yesterday was appalling," Lyons said. "As rioters attacked federal ICE and law enforcement officers on the LA streets, Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement."

Bass put out a statement on X during the anti-ICE protests that the city would "not stand for" the raids. 

"We will," FBI Director Kash Patel said in response to Bass on X