In a fiery address in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a stark warning to anti-ICE protesters in California, declaring a crackdown on looting and violence that has gripped the state. With the potential for up to 20 years in prison under the Hobbs Act for those caught looting, Bondi emphasized that law enforcement will not hesitate to prosecute offenders amid escalating chaos.

“California is burning,” Bondi stated, as reports flood in of widespread looting and violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Businesses, including drugstores and the Apple Store, have been raided, prompting a state of emergency that has led to the deployment of the National Guard and Marines to restore order. “We are watching live on the news as bricks are thrown, and law enforcement officers are injured. This is not just random chaos; it is orchestrated violence,” she asserted.

Despite a curfew imposed to quell unrest, Bondi criticized California officials for failing to declare an economic disaster, which could have unlocked federal aid for struggling businesses. “We are determined to protect all citizens and law enforcement officers,” she declared, underscoring a commitment to using every legal means necessary to restore safety.

As tensions rise, questions linger about the threshold for invoking the Insurrection Act, with Bondi acknowledging that other cities, including New York, have seen very different responses to protests. “We believe in peaceful protests, but what’s happening in California is far from that,” she said.

The situation remains dire, with Bondi vowing to hold those responsible for the violence accountable. “This is serious out there. We will do everything within our power to protect our people,” she concluded, as the nation watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the turmoil.