Sean Charles Dunn, 37, faced a misdemeanor assault charge. On Thursday, the jury ruled that his actions did not amount to a crime. The decision came nearly five years after the incident, which was recorded on video and quickly went viral. That footage made Dunn a symbol of protest against Trump’s use of federal agents in local cities.

Prosecutors initially sought a felony indictment, but the grand jury declined. As a result, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office filed a lesser misdemeanor charge.

A Protest That Became a Legal Battle

The confrontation took place on August 10, 2020, outside a Washington nightclub hosting a “Latin Night” event. Dunn threw a sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent who was standing with other officers. Prosecutors said Dunn shouted “fascists” and “racists,” and yelled, “Why are you here? I don’t want you in my city!” before throwing the sandwich.

Police body camera footage later captured Dunn admitting his actions. “I did it. I threw a sandwich,” he said. “I did it to draw them away from where they were. I succeeded.”

Prosecutors claimed Dunn acted intentionally and broke the law. However, his defense team countered that it was a symbolic protest — an act protected under the First Amendment.

Jury Rejects the Assault Charge

After deliberation, the jury found Dunn not guilty. They decided that his actions, though provocative, did not meet the legal definition of assault. Following the verdict, Dunn embraced his lawyers and spoke to reporters outside the courthouse.

“I was standing up for what I believed in,” he said. “Every life matters, no matter where you came from or how you got here. Everyone deserves to live free.”

Defense attorney Sabrina Shroff celebrated the decision, saying the verdict showed that “dissent is not just tolerated — it is legal and welcome.”

Prosecution Defends Its Case

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that her office respected the verdict. Still, she insisted that “law enforcement should never be subjected to assault, no matter how minor.”

“Even children know that when they are angry, they are not allowed to throw objects at one another,” Pirro added.

Meanwhile, CBP Agent Gregory Lairmore, who was hit by the sandwich, described how it “exploded” on his chest. He said he could smell onions and mustard through his ballistic vest. Later, his colleagues gave him gag gifts — a sandwich-shaped plush toy and a patch that read “felony footlong.” He admitted keeping them as lighthearted souvenirs.

Firing and Political Fallout

Shortly after the incident, Dunn was fired from his position as a paralegal at the Justice Department. Then–Attorney General Pam Bondi announced his dismissal on social media, calling him “an example of the Deep State,” a phrase often used by Trump supporters.

Dunn’s attorneys argued that prosecutors targeted him for political reasons. They pointed to a professional video of his arrest that the White House shared online. The footage showed armed federal agents in riot gear raiding his home. According to the defense, the prosecution was “vindictive” and aimed to silence dissent against Trump’s policies.

Broader Context and Aftermath

Dunn’s case was one of several tied to Trump’s federal law enforcement deployment in 2020. Critics said the initiative increased tensions during nationwide protests over policing and racial justice. Moreover, his acquittal followed a series of similar outcomes where courts reduced or dismissed charges against protesters accused of minor clashes with federal officers.

At the same time, dozens of Trump supporters convicted of assaulting police during the January 6 Capitol riot later received pardons or had charges dropped by Trump.

In the end, Dunn said the verdict closed a difficult and politically charged chapter of his life. “I’m ready to move on with my life,” he said.

Source: AP News – Man who threw sandwich at federal agent in Washington is found not guilty of assault charge

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The incident unfolded early Tuesday as officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service, attempted to detain 44-year-old Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a Mexican national who has lived in the United States for years without legal status.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agents opened “defensive fire” after Parias rammed his car into two law enforcement vehicles while trying to escape. He was struck in the elbow and later taken to a hospital under federal custody.

Federal Operation Turns Confrontational

Authorities said the officers had an administrative immigration warrant for Parias, who had previously evaded arrest. During Tuesday’s operation, agents used multiple vehicles to block his car during a traffic stop. When they approached, Parias allegedly accelerated, crashing into the vehicles in front and behind him.

An agent attempted to break the driver’s window, but Parias continued to accelerate, causing the car to fishtail. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said one agent then fired to prevent further harm to officers.

A deputy U.S. Marshal was injured in the hand by a ricochet bullet. The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed the injury was non-life-threatening and that the officer remained in stable condition.

Essayli stated that Parias now faces a federal charge of assault on a federal officer, a serious felony that can carry lengthy prison terms. He is expected to appear in court next Tuesday.

Community Reactions and Background

Parias, who operated a small TikTok account called Richard Noticias LA, was known locally for posting short citizen-journalism videos about immigration enforcement in Southern California. His attorney, Carlos Jurado, told local outlets that Parias is “a calm man” with two U.S.-born children and no prior criminal record.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price’s office confirmed that Parias had lived in the community for decades and was recently recognized with a certificate of appreciation for his local reporting. Supporters gathered outside the hospital following the incident, expressing concern over the use of force.

Federal Officials Defend Use of Force

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the officers’ actions, describing them as a necessary response to a dangerous situation.
“Vehicles are deadly weapons,” Acting U.S. Attorney Essayli wrote in a statement. “Anyone who uses them against federal agents risks arrest, imprisonment, and life-threatening injuries.”

McLaughlin also criticized what she described as “rhetoric from sanctuary politicians and activists who urge illegal aliens to resist arrest,” saying such messages have increased risks for both officers and suspects.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said its officers were not directly involved in the federal operation but provided traffic control at the scene.

Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement in California

California, which has some of the nation’s most protective sanctuary policies, often limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration agencies. This has led to repeated clashes between state and federal officials over how immigration laws are enforced.

In Los Angeles and other major California cities, ICE officers frequently conduct arrests without local police participation. Activist groups have criticized what they call “militarized” enforcement tactics, while federal authorities say such operations are vital for national security and immigration control.

The confrontation involving Parias follows a series of recent enforcement-related incidents that have drawn scrutiny. Last month, an ICE officer fatally shot a man who allegedly drove his car at agents, dragging one before being killed. In August, another suspect died on a Southern California freeway after fleeing ICE officers on foot.

Rising Assaults on Immigration Officers

According to ICE data, reported assaults on immigration officers have risen sharply this year. Between January 21 and October 1, the agency recorded 172 reported assaults, compared with just 15 during the same period last year.

ICE has attributed the rise to what it describes as “activist rhetoric” encouraging individuals to resist arrest.
Activists and civil rights organizations, however, argue that the agency’s aggressive tactics and unannounced operations contribute to panic and confrontation.

Calls for Oversight and Transparency

The use of force in immigration operations has long been a contentious issue, with lawmakers and advocacy groups calling for more oversight and independent review.
Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have repeatedly urged federal agencies to increase transparency about when and how lethal force is used during arrests.

Immigration policy analysts say the Los Angeles incident underscores the growing tension between federal enforcement priorities and local sanctuary commitments. While the Biden administration has emphasized a more targeted approach to immigration arrests, critics contend that operations like this show little difference from previous hardline policies.

For now, Carlitos Ricardo Parias remains in federal custody, recovering from his injury. His legal team is expected to contest the assault charge and challenge the circumstances of the arrest.

Broader Implications for Immigration Enforcement

Analysts say the case could reignite debate over the federal government’s role in local jurisdictions that maintain sanctuary protections. It also highlights how immigration enforcement operations are increasingly documented and discussed in real-time through social media, including by community reporters like Parias himself.

As the investigation continues, the Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed whether agents’ use of force will undergo an internal review — a common procedure after shootings involving federal officers.

Source: AP News – Immigration agents shot a suspect after he rammed their vehicle during a LA stop, DHS says

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Published Time 08-14-2025, 13:00

Washington, D.C., neighborhoods experienced heightened tension this week as residents protested the expanded presence of federal law enforcement following the White House’s announcement that federal agents would patrol the city around the clock. The move comes amid President Trump’s temporary takeover of the city’s police operations, stirring debate over safety, civil liberties, and the effectiveness of federal intervention.

Residents Voice Opposition to Increased Federal Presence

On Wednesday, Washington, D.C., residents gathered along the 14th Street Northwest corridor to protest vehicle checkpoints set up by law enforcement. Demonstrators shouted slogans like “Go home, fascists” and “Get off our streets,” urging drivers to avoid the checkpoint.

The protests followed President Donald Trump’s unprecedented decision to assume temporary control of the city’s Metropolitan Police Department for up to 30 days. While the president cited “emergency-level” crime as justification, city officials highlighted that violent crime has dropped significantly over the past two years, reaching a 30-year low after a prior spike.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has navigated a complex political landscape, describing the federal takeover as both an “authoritarian push” and a potential boost to public safety. However, the administration has not provided clear metrics for success.

Expanded Federal Patrols Across the City

For the past two days, small groups of federal agents have been visible in various neighborhoods. On Wednesday, their presence intensified, with agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) patrolling popular areas like U Street, the National Mall, and the Navy Yard.

National Guard troops were also deployed, with plans to increase missions in the city starting Thursday. A National Guard spokesman, speaking anonymously, confirmed coordination efforts but did not provide full operational details.

Arrests and Public Reactions

Federal and city police made 43 arrests on Tuesday night, a noticeable increase from the prior night. Offenses included driving under the influence, unlawful entry, assault warrants, and possession of illegal firearms. Seven firearms were reportedly seized.

D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson described the arrests as routine and downplayed claims of escalating crime. “I’m looking at this list of arrests, and they sound like a normal Saturday night in any big city,” Henderson said. She criticized the federal presence as largely unnecessary and politically motivated.

Legal Authority and Political Debate

Unlike in other U.S. cities, the president holds legal authority to assume control of Washington’s police department for up to 30 days. Any extension beyond this period would require congressional approval, which is expected to face resistance from Democratic lawmakers.

President Trump indicated that he may seek longer authority or appeal to Congress to enforce laws he views as insufficiently stringent on crime. “We’re gonna do this very quickly. But we’re gonna want extensions,” Trump said, noting the possibility of declaring a national emergency if necessary. He reiterated these claims on his social media platform, asserting that “D.C. is back under Federal Control where it belongs.”

Councilmember Henderson has already engaged with congressional contacts to oppose any extension. “It’s Day Three, and he’s already saying he’s going to need more time?” she said.

Targeted Enforcement Across Multiple Offenses

According to the White House, federal and city officers have made over 100 arrests since last week, covering offenses ranging from traffic violations to more serious charges like assault and illegal firearm possession.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended the operation, stating, “President Trump is delivering on his campaign promise to clean up this city and restore American Greatness to our cherished capital.”

The federal response also includes removing homeless encampments from public spaces. U.S. Park Police have cleared dozens of tents since March, offering individuals shelter and addiction treatment, with fines or jail time as consequences for those who refuse assistance. City officials report expanding shelter capacity and outreach services in response.

Crime Trends and Local Law Enforcement

While the federal intervention continues, violent crime in Washington, D.C., has generally decreased in recent years. Experts note that the city’s violence levels remain higher than the average for other major U.S. cities, but they are trending downward overall, mirroring patterns seen nationally since the pandemic.

Police Chief Pamela Smith emphasized that federal officers help fill gaps created by a nearly 800-officer shortfall in the city’s Metro Police Department. Mayor Bowser noted that while federal officials have not provided specific objectives, removing illegal firearms and increasing street presence are shared priorities.

Some residents, however, remain uneasy about the increased federal presence. Washington native Sheina Taylor described the heightened visibility of officers and National Guard troops as intimidating, particularly for minority communities. “It’s more fearful now because even though you’re a law-abiding citizen, here in D.C., you don’t know,” she said.

Balancing Safety and Civil Liberties

The expansion of federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C., has sparked an ongoing debate about balancing public safety with civil liberties. City leaders, residents, and federal officials continue to monitor the effects of the increased patrols, while discussions over potential extensions of federal authority are likely to remain politically charged.

Source: AP News – DC residents protest as White House says federal agents will be on patrol 24/7

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under former President Trump is sounding a strong warning to Democrats and left-wing activists who have been targeting ICE agents—calling out those doxxing officers and interfering with immigration enforcement.

The alert comes after a viral video showed Tennessee Democratic State Representative Aftyn Behn apparently stalking and “bullying” ICE agents during an enforcement operation in Nashville. DHS responded firmly, making it clear they won’t tolerate this behavior.

‘This Administration is Not Playing Games’

In an official statement, DHS said, “This Administration is not playing games with the lives and safety of our ICE officers.” They condemned those doxxing agents and obstructing ICE operations, accusing them of siding with “vicious cartels, human traffickers, and violent criminals.”

The video that sparked the warning was shared by Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee. It shows Behn and another woman following ICE vehicles and state troopers, laughing as Behn calls the action “a win.” Ogles called out the lawmakers, saying they were openly admitting to stalling law enforcement efforts, describing it as “reckless” and “aiding and abetting.”

Rising Attacks on ICE Agents

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital that attacks on ICE officers have surged alarmingly, with assaults increasing by 413%. She warned that DHS has the capability to trace and track those involved in doxxing and promised that anyone caught will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This crackdown follows a May 1 search warrant executed by DHS and the U.S. Secret Service at the home of a Los Angeles resident accused of distributing posters that reveal personal details of ICE agents working in Southern California. These posters accuse ICE and Homeland Security Investigations officers of “racial terror” and claim they “kidnap people from their homes,” fueling public outrage.

White House Condemns Democrat Attacks on ICE

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson also weighed in, condemning Democratic attacks on ICE officers. She referenced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s recent remarks calling ICE officers “Nazis” and mentioned incidents of physical assaults on agents by members of Congress.

Jackson called the Democratic Party “truly unhinged” and accused them of “defending illegal terrorists while attacking those who keep Americans safe.” She emphasized that the administration will hold accountable anyone who commits crimes against federal law enforcement officials.

Source: FOX News – Trump DHS issues stark warning to Dems harassing ICE agents: ‘Not playing games’

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Federal immigration agents conducted a major raid at a roofing company in northern Washington, leading to the arrest of 37 individuals suspected of working without legal authorization. The operation, carried out early Wednesday morning, sent shockwaves through the local workforce and community.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials arrived at Mt. Baker Roofing’s warehouse in Bellingham, a city near the Canadian border, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Armed officers swiftly took control of the premises, rounding up employees as part of an ongoing investigation into unlawful employment practices.

“They arrived wielding their guns like they were going to shoot us, like we were criminals,” said Tomas Fuerte, a longtime worker at the company, in an interview with Cascadia Daily News. “They corralled us into a room in the back of the building. They had a list and pictures of everyone who was undocumented and took them away.”

According to witnesses, two buses transported the detained individuals from the site. Fuerte, who has worked at Mt. Baker Roofing for 12 years, said he had never seen a raid of this scale before.

ICE spokesperson David Yost confirmed the arrests, stating that the agents executed a federal search warrant based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the employment of unauthorized workers.

“The individuals taken into custody had fraudulently represented their immigration status and submitted fraudulent documents and/or information to seek employment,” Yost explained in a statement.

Mt. Baker Roofing responded in an afternoon statement, asserting that it was “fully cooperating with the authorities while also ensuring that our employees are treated fairly and respectfully under the law.”

The raid comes amid growing scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies. During former President Donald Trump’s first 50 days in office, ICE made 32,809 arrests—an average of 656 per day, more than double the daily average of the previous year. While the Biden administration has pursued a different approach, sporadic workplace raids continue to occur, though not on the same scale as previous administrations.

While workers often face immediate detention and deportation, business owners rarely face criminal charges. Instead, companies found in violation of immigration laws typically face financial penalties and heightened scrutiny.

The latest raid at Mt. Baker Roofing raises fresh concerns about the enforcement of immigration laws and its impact on local businesses and communities. As legal proceedings unfold, both advocates and critics of current policies will be watching closely.

Source: AP News – Immigration officials raid Washington state roofing company and arrest over 3 dozen people

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