Federal elite tactical units with full arrest powers are now descending on Los Angeles as President Trump escalates the response to increasingly violent anti-ICE riots that have overwhelmed local authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Specialized Border Patrol tactical teams including BORTAC, BORSTAR, and Mobile Response Teams are being deployed to Los Angeles to combat violent anti-ICE protests
- Unlike the 2,000 National Guard troops already authorized, these federal agents have full arrest authority for federal crimes
- The Border Patrol units have previous experience with riot control, including responding to the 1992 Los Angeles riots
- ICE operations in LA have resulted in 118 arrests of criminal aliens, triggering violent protests where agents’ vehicles were attacked with rocks and concrete
- President Trump authorized federal intervention after criticizing Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass for failing to maintain order
Elite Tactical Units Deploy to Restore Order
A contingent of specially trained Border Patrol tactical units is being deployed to Los Angeles to address escalating anti-ICE riots that have resulted in multiple attacks on federal officers. The units include the Border Patrol Tactical Team (BORTAC), Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue unit (BORSTAR), and Mobile Response Teams (MRT). These elite forces will join existing Border Patrol personnel and 2,000 National Guard troops already committed by President Trump to restore order in a city that has seen federal vehicles attacked and widespread property damage in recent days.
The deployment represents a significant escalation in federal response capabilities. Unlike National Guard soldiers who serve in a support capacity, these Border Patrol special units possess full federal arrest authority, enabling them to directly intervene against violent protesters. The exact number of tactical agents being sent remains classified for operational security, though sources indicate the force is substantial and can be adjusted based on evolving conditions. These units bring critical experience from their involvement in managing the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
Reporter’s Vehicle Hit in Paramount Riots: @MattSeedorff Covers Chaos as Protesters Clash with Border Patrol!
Fox News LA reporter Matthew Seedorff found himself in the thick of escalating violence in Paramount, California, where his news vehicle was struck during intense riots… pic.twitter.com/j8W4glgSUY
— Off Topic Show (@OffTopicShow2) June 7, 2025
Federal Intervention After Local “Failure”
President Trump authorized the deployment after criticizing California’s leadership for failing to maintain order. The decision came after videos circulated showing Border Patrol vehicles being attacked with rocks and concrete blocks during recent protests. The unrest began following ICE enforcement actions that resulted in 118 arrests, many targeting gang members and individuals with serious criminal histories. Protesters subsequently surrounded federal buildings, assaulted ICE agents, and vandalized property with anti-law enforcement graffiti.
“If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!,” said President Donald Trump.
Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the federal deployment, calling it inflammatory, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence while emphasizing the right to peaceful protest. These responses have drawn criticism from federal officials who point to the escalating danger faced by law enforcement. The FBI has now joined the effort, seeking information on individuals who participated in attacks on federal vehicles during the protests.
Specialized Training for Urban Crisis
The Border Patrol’s Mobile Response Team brings particular expertise in managing civil unrest and has previously provided security at high-profile events including the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. The units can be drawn from multiple Border Patrol sectors nationwide, including San Diego, Tucson, El Paso, and others. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks have issued stern warnings to protesters, promising federal prosecution for anyone attacking law enforcement officers.
“ANY attack on our agents or officers will not be tolerated, You will be arrested and federally prosecuted,” said U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks.
Vice President JD Vance has characterized the broader border crisis as an invasion, specifically citing incidents where foreign nationals have assaulted American law enforcement. The tactical teams now deploying to Los Angeles represent some of the most specialized units in federal law enforcement, trained specifically for high-risk scenarios including riot control, crowd management, and tactical operations in urban environments—skills that will be essential as the administration moves to restore order in a city where local authorities have struggled to contain increasingly violent demonstrations.
