District Attorney Nathan Hochman speaks in a news conference
Protestor trying to escape teargas
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman delivering remarks
Nathan Hochman in a primary candidate forum
Nathan Hochman delivering remarks to press
The Los Angeles Police work to clear the streets in downtown
Officers and protestors at Edward Roybal Federal Building

District Attorney Nathan Hochman speaks in a news conference

After four days of unrest, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has announced that his office will prosecute crimes tied to the protests. He emphasized that while peaceful demonstrations are protected, acts of vandalism and violence will face legal action. Looting has led to felony charges, with repeat offenders and “professional agitators” facing harsher penalties.

Protestor trying to escape teargas

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, "We will track you down. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you. And we will punish you."

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman delivering remarks

Hochman added, "Let me provide some bad news for you. There’s a tremendous amount of video out there through social media, and otherwise we will know who you are, who engaged in this conduct."

Nathan Hochman in a primary candidate forum

Hochman said, "So, for people who've already engaged in this, in this illegal activity, we're coming for you."

Nathan Hochman delivering remarks to press

Hochman noted that law enforcement is focused on safety while respecting peaceful protests. He said, "Any violent offenses that have been engaged in -- people are looking at years of state prison time for these criminal violations," he said.

The Los Angeles Police work to clear the streets in downtown

Hochman added, "This is your warning -- for all those people who have done it before, we're going to come after you. And for the people who are thinking about doing illegal actions, stop, don't do it."

Officers and protestors at Edward Roybal Federal Building

While law enforcement has aimed to avoid arrests, they have acted when necessary. Over 70 people were arrested during protests in Los Angeles County in just two days. More than 500 arrests have been reported among all anti-ICE protests in California in June.

Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.