New Federal and County Prosecutors in L.A. Mean Those Committed Acts of Violence and Obstruction Will Be Held Accountable
U.S. Attorney Billy Essayli and District Attorney Nathan Hochman, both 'tough on crime' prosecutors in Los Angeles represent a big change from just last year.
Los Angeles Faces a Crisis of Violence
This weekend, Los Angeles erupted in violence as protesters clashed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were lawfully doing their work, demanding a response from leaders committed to law and order. Newly appointed U.S. Attorney Billy Essayli and recently elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman represent a notable shift in philosophy from their predecessors. They both promise swift consequences for those who threaten public safety. Both perspectives stem from the idea that they are responsible for ensuring the rule of law is maintained. Which only works if those breaking the law face stiff consequences for their decisions.
Federal Stance: From Diversion to Prosecution
Once, federal policy under U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada leaned on progressive ideals, prioritizing a liberal take on civil rights over aggressive prosecution during the Biden era. Estrada’s Conviction and Sentence Alternatives program diverted offenders, eroding deterrence. Billy Essayli, newly appointed by President Trump’s Attorney General, Pam Bondi, represents a clear new direction. On X, he declared, “Last night, over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building and assaulted ICE law enforcement officers, slashed tires, defaced buildings, and taxpayer-funded property… These riots in Los Angeles… come after Democrat politicians… have villainized and demonized ICE law enforcement.” In another X post, he says, “Federal agents arrested over a dozen agitators today who impeded agents in their ability to conduct law enforcement operations. We will continue to arrest anyone who interferes with federal law enforcement.” – he then went on to name arrestees and post mug shots.
Local Resolve: From Leniency to Accountability
From the beginning of 2021 to the start of this year, Los Angeles County was led by District Attorney George Gascón, whose leniency enabled crime, including violent responses to law enforcement. His refusal to prosecute misdemeanors, such as trespassing, and his failure to prosecute those arrested during protests contributed to the chaos. Now, Nathan Hochman, elected in December 2024, responds forcefully. On X, he stated, “As District Attorney of LA County, I will fiercely protect the First Amendment rights of anyone who wants to assemble and voice their positions peacefully. However, when protected speech crosses the line into illegal actions, I will equally fiercely enforce the criminal laws.” Many have been arrested in the last few days, and front-line prosecutors will review these cases unencumbered by the pro-criminal bias of Hochman’s predecessor.
Case In Point: The Filing Of Charges Against California Union Boss
A prime example of this new era is the filing of charges against David Huerta, President of SEIU 1000, one of California’s largest and most powerful public employee unions. Huerta was arrested over the weekend for allegedly obstructing federal agents during an operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and who has been charged with the felony of conspiring to impede officers. This action by U.S. Attorney Essayli and federal law enforcement sends a clear message: no one, even if they hold positions of power and influence, is above the law. You can see the serious tone of the new U.S. Attorney in this X post…
A New Era of Justice
Los Angeles now has prosecutors who act—Essayli and Hochman reject virtue signaling and have a relentless focus on prosecuting crime. No more excuses; their priority is punishing criminals and restoring order amid violent protests. It is still up to law enforcement officers to decide when to make an arrest. But gone are the days when they knew that, in doing so, prosecutions would not follow.