Fargo, N.D. – A local law enforcement leader in North Dakota is sharing his thoughts on the ongoing protesting in Los Angeles that has turned violent at times.
Demonstrators there have taken to the streets since last Friday, after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted raids to apprehend illegal immigrants in the community.
But periods of violence have flared up, prompting law enforcement to take action to control it.
“It’s become a riot,” Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner said on The Flag’s What’s On Your Mind? “What we see playing out there is a group of agitators and conformists who are following them to cause chaos and hurt people.”
While people have the right to peacefully assemble and demonstrate, Jahner says it doesn’t allow for violence, and worries about officers who are trying to keep the peace.
Listen: Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner appears on The Flag’s What’s On Your Mind?
“It’s going to be a tough couple of days for those law enforcement officers,” said Jahner. “We hope no one gets hurt, but from what I observed, there are going to be people who get hurt.”
City and state leaders in California argue that President Trump’s decision to call in the National Guard over their objections fanned the flames on the ground.
But prior to the deployment, footage during Friday’s demonstrations showed violent protesters throwing objects at passing law enforcement vehicles.
Trump has said the National Guard presence is necessary to “address the lawlessness.”
Jahner was also asked how his deputies handle ICE raids in order to avoid such a situation.
“We all need to have good communication as far as law enforcement is concerned…so that we’re all on the same page,” said Jahner. “So that we understand what they’re doing, where they’re going to be, what kind of action they’re taking and who they’re looking for.”
Jahner explained the process when they come across illegals in the county.
“We slow the situation down,” said Jahner. “We contact federal agents to let them know….and our concern at that point is to identify that person and see what kind of criminal background they have.”
Jahner also said that federal agents have a specific goal in mind when it comes to the purpose of recent immigration raids.
“If these individuals are not violent with a violent history, sometimes ICE and U.S. Border Patrol ask us to gather further information,” said Jahner. “And maybe later on they’ll come back and visit with them. Their focus right now is on the violent people.”
