How Trump’s DHS deploys ‘less lethal’ weapons on protesters

DHS has accused local politicians and activists of inciting violence, saying attacks on agents have sharply increased, leaving them with no choice but to respond in kind. The agency highlights the behavior of some demonstrators, who follow the police with their cars, block them in the street, swear in their faces, whistle loudly and shout in front of their hotels at night. At times, the protests turned violent, with demonstrators throwing bottles, rocks and fireworks, and police arrested many people who allegedly tried to attack them or run them over with cars.

DHS said in a statement that its agents “are facing a coordinated campaign of violence against them.” The agency did not respond to questions about specific instances of federal agents using less lethal force against protesters. Instead, it highlighted about two dozen alleged attacks on police officers. In one, a police officer suffered burns and a serious cut, requiring 13 stitches, while arresting a Salvadoran; he was charged with assault and the case is ongoing. In another case, a woman allegedly bit off part of a police officer’s finger and was charged with assault; the case is ongoing and his attorney has said it is “meritless.” In a third case, a Guatemalan national was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to trying to strangle police officers and grabbing one by the genitals.

“Despite these real dangers, our law enforcement agencies are exercising incredible restraint and caution in their use of force” to protect officers and others, the statement said. DHS said allegations of misconduct were “thoroughly investigated” and action was taken “if necessary,” but did not provide details.

Those who take to the streets to protest or record police behavior know that they risk serious harm.

Leon Virden has passed the danger. He is 73 years old and a lifelong resident of Minneapolis. He became so distraught after Alex Pretti’s murder on Jan. 24 that he drove to the scene with his son. They found themselves in a small group of protesters chanting slogans in an alley where they came across agents he believed to be from DHS. One of them deployed a flash-bang grenade — which federal agents have used repeatedly during protests — and it exploded, shattering Virden’s face. Now he stays home, taking Tylenol and trying not to aggravate his surgically reconstructed jaw.

“I’m really pissed that these, you can call them whatever you want, I call them agents of the Antichrist, that they can come in and do this and get away with it,” Virden said. “I’m upset. I’m a little hurt and I just want to see change.”

Los Angeles: the campaign begins

The first immigration raids began in Southern California in late May, prompted by Trump’s demand to detain 3,000 people a day. Masked, heavily armed federal agents, many accustomed to border patrols or targeted operations that generally did not involve tense encounters with the public, were now sweeping through densely populated neighborhoods, picking up Latino immigrants at bus stops, homeless shelters, Home Depot parking lots, farms, workplaces and homes.

Masked police officers, in roving caravans of unmarked cars, drew resistance from angry crowds of immigration advocates and ordinary citizens, and their leaders called for force to confront anyone who harmed them.

“Arrest as many people as you want who touch you. Those are the general orders all the way to the top,” the head of the operation, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, told agents in Los Angeles, comments captured on a body camera and later filed in court. “Everyone understands if he touches you. Do you hear what I’m saying?”