As Los Angeles continues to spiral out of control under Democrat leadership, Sheriff Robert G. Luna confirmed what many Americans have feared: the violent anti-ICE riots that erupted on June 6 have injured nearly a dozen law enforcement officers, with left-wing agitators deploying makeshift weapons, incendiary devices, and outright mob violence against deputies and police.

Speaking at a press conference on June 13, Sheriff Luna detailed the escalating danger officers now face while attempting to restore order to the streets. According to Luna, at least ten deputies have already been injured since the far-left protests descended into violence. “We’ve been encountering some interesting weapons out there,” Luna said, referring to the disturbing array of homemade bombs, rocks, and other projectiles being hurled at law enforcement.

The sheriff made a critical distinction that Democrats often ignore or deny: “There’s a big difference between the peaceful protesters and the individuals who are coming out with weapons to attack our folks.” Unfortunately, it’s the violent, criminal elements that have hijacked the protests, pushing Los Angeles into scenes that resemble third-world instability more than the United States of America.

Remarkably, despite his acknowledgment of the violence, Sheriff Luna still attempted to offer a fig leaf to the protestors’ so-called “cause,” stating, “It’s a good cause, but we do not want violent agitators out there destroying property or committing acts of violence specifically against our police officers.” This soft language, while attempting to strike a tone of balance, ignores the reality that lawless mobs have taken control of entire sections of Los Angeles — with Democrat leaders offering little more than empty rhetoric and virtue signaling.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell also addressed the media, vowing that anyone who commits acts of violence will be arrested. “We’re closely monitoring developments and deploying our personnel and resources strategically to protect public safety while safeguarding every individual’s right to protest peacefully,” McDonnell said. “We will not allow violence, vandalism, or threats to public safety to undermine the rights of those who are demonstrating lawfully.”

In reality, though, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Law enforcement has been overwhelmed by the scale and ferocity of these organized leftist mobs, many of whom show up prepared with weapons, body armor, and even coordination tools to evade police containment.

The city was forced to implement curfews in an attempt to slow the nightly violence, which primarily escalates after dark. Chief McDonnell admitted the curfews have been a key factor in curbing some criminal activity, but acknowledged that dangerous elements continue to exploit the unrest.

Sheriff Luna stressed that while officers are committed to supporting peaceful demonstrations, “Extreme violence will not be tolerated. If we’re not arresting you at the moment violence occurs, rest assured, we are identifying individuals who have committed acts of violence against our agencies.”

The disturbing reality is clear: under Democrat rule, Los Angeles is once again serving as a cautionary tale of what happens when left-wing policies erode law and order. While law enforcement officers put their lives on the line, California’s political leadership continues to appease radical activists and undermine those tasked with keeping the public safe.

As the nation watches, the question remains: how many more officers must be injured — or worse — before California’s leaders finally put public safety ahead of political posturing?