Jay Block, a state senator from New Mexico, has expressed strong criticism towards protestors in Los Angeles, California, labeling them as "lawless" and calling for their arrest due to escalating violence against law enforcement. His statement was made on the social media platform X.
"Yet leftists Democrats are blaming law enforcement and Trump to carry out their duties to enforce law and order," said C Block, New Mexico State Senator from 12th District (R). "These evil people are anarchists. Arrest them all who are not protesting peacefully!!! Pray for our law enforcement."
Los Angeles experienced significant civil unrest from June 6 to June 8, 2025, following protests over federal immigration raids and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city. Demonstrators blocked freeways, set self-driving vehicles on fire, and clashed with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and federal agents. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment of the National Guard by federal order, describing it as constitutionally questionable. According to Reuters, these protests were among the most violent episodes in recent Los Angeles history.
At least three LAPD officers sustained injuries during the June 2025 protests, with numerous demonstrators arrested for violent offenses such as assaulting police officers and committing arson. KCRA reported that injuries included two motorcycle officers harmed when protesters breached police lines, leading to 56 arrests over the weekend. The LAPD cited a high risk to officers due to incendiary devices and aggressive crowd behavior.
Nationwide, law enforcement officers have encountered increasing violence during protests over the past year, including attacks involving fireworks, bottles, and Molotov cocktails. Mapping Police Violence reports that more than 250,000 civilians are injured by police annually while injuries to officers during unrest events are also rising. A trend analysis from 2025 indicates frequent use of incendiary devices against mounted patrols and riot units.
Block is a Republican state senator representing District 12 in New Mexico since January 2025. According to Ballotpedia, he is a retired Air Force officer with expertise in nuclear operations and previously served on the Sandoval County Commission before joining the Senate. He advocates for strict public safety laws, supports law enforcement funding, and aligns with conservative crime policy positions.
