DHS Attorney Proposed Force Against ICE Protesters, Emails Show

The echoes of a troubling internal discussion within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are reverberating across the country, and particularly here in Los Angeles. Newly released emails, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by American Oversight, reveal that a top DHS attorney suggested federal agents should have used force – “just started hitting the rioters” – during anti-ICE protests last June. This isn’t a hypothetical debate; it’s a stark glimpse into the mindset of those tasked with upholding the law, and it raises serious questions about the potential for abuse of power, especially within a city like Los Angeles, which has a long and often fraught history with federal law enforcement.

The Context: Protests, Lawsuits, and a Shifting Landscape

The emails center around protests that erupted in June 2025, fueled by opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies and, more broadly, the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration. These demonstrations coincided with a legal battle between the state of California, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, and the federal government over the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles. The legal dispute, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, stemmed from concerns about the federal government overstepping its authority and potentially militarizing local law enforcement.

The email exchange, involving Joseph Mazzara – then-acting DHS general counsel – occurred while attorneys were coordinating legal filings defending the administration’s actions. Mazzara’s comments were triggered by a specific incident involving protesters attempting to breach a protective line at a federal building, described in court documents as a “battering ram incident.” His response, as detailed in both the Los Angeles Times and Yahoo News reports, was shockingly direct: agents should have “just started hitting the rioters and arresting everyone that couldn’t obtain away from them.” He added the chilling observation that “No one likes being hit by a stick, and people tend to run when that starts happening in earnest.”

A Disturbing Disregard for Civil Liberties

The revelation has sparked outrage from civil rights advocates and legal experts. Kerry Doyle, a former top ICE attorney during the Biden administration, characterized Mazzara’s comments as demonstrating a “shocking carelessness about the potential for harm” and a disregard for constitutional protections. She emphasized that such advice from legal counsel could abandon officers vulnerable to liability and, more importantly, could lead to unlawful and potentially violent interactions with protesters. Doyle’s assessment underscores a critical point: the role of legal counsel is not simply to defend the administration’s actions, but to ensure those actions are *legal* in the first place.

American Oversight, the nonprofit watchdog group that obtained the emails, highlighted the fact that the DHS initially attempted to redact Mazzara’s comments, suggesting an awareness that they would be damaging. Chioma Chukwu, the organization’s executive director, rightly pointed out that there is “no FOIA exemption that justifies hiding” such statements, which reveal a “level of hostility toward protesters that is deeply at odds with the government’s obligation to protect civil liberties.”

The Broader Implications for Los Angeles

Los Angeles, with its diverse population and history of activism, is particularly sensitive to issues of immigration and law enforcement. The city has been a focal point for protests and demonstrations for decades, and the relationship between local communities and federal agencies has often been strained. The revelation of Mazzara’s comments adds fuel to those existing tensions. The incident too comes against a backdrop of increasing concerns about the escalation of violence during immigration enforcement actions, including reported shootings of U.S. Citizen protesters by immigration agents. The fact that Mazzara was later appointed deputy commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection further amplifies these concerns.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the Trump administration has since begun withdrawing National Guard troops from Los Angeles and other Democratic-led cities following a Supreme Court ruling that challenged the legal basis for their deployment. However, the underlying issues – the potential for overreach by federal agencies, the erosion of civil liberties, and the risk of escalating violence – remain very real. The grand juries refusing to indict many demonstrators accused by federal prosecutors, and the fact that most alleged assaults resulted in no injuries, doesn’t negate the chilling effect of the expressed sentiment from within DHS.

Navigating the Aftermath: A Local Resource Guide

Given my background in legal risk assessment and civil rights advocacy, if these developments are causing you concern here in the Los Angeles area, it’s prudent to understand your rights and have access to qualified legal counsel. Here are three types of local professionals you should consider consulting:

1. Civil Rights Attorneys:

Look for attorneys with a proven track record of representing individuals in cases involving police misconduct, excessive force, and First Amendment rights. Specifically, seek lawyers experienced in handling cases against federal agencies. They should be familiar with Section 1983 claims and other relevant legal frameworks. A strong indicator is membership in organizations like the ACLU of Southern California.

2. Criminal Defense Lawyers (with Protest Experience):

If you or someone you know was involved in the protests and is facing criminal charges, it’s crucial to hire a criminal defense attorney who has experience representing protesters. They should understand the legal nuances of protest-related offenses, such as unlawful assembly, resisting arrest, and vandalism. Look for attorneys who are actively involved in defending protesters’ rights.

3. Government Accountability Watchdogs:

Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of California and local chapters of the National Lawyers Guild provide valuable resources and advocacy on issues of government accountability. They can offer information about your rights, monitor government actions, and provide legal support to protesters. They often host “Know Your Rights” workshops and provide pro bono legal assistance.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated legal experts in the Los Angeles area today.