The 2025 immigration riots in Los Angeles revealed that rioters have incorporated new tactics. I am listing them for the enlightenment of officers who have yet to face these trained, funded and organized rioters.
The officers facing these rioters on the fourth day of the “LA ICE riots” performed courageously and laudably, while using pre-trained and pre-practiced classic team tactics.
Here are some new tactics used by rioters that I observed, and some suggestions for counters to these tactics.
| RELATED: Officers hit with fireworks, cruisers pelted with rocks as L.A. protests escalate
1. Barricades
Protesters are constructing improvised barricades to protect themselves from impact munitions.
Tactical counter: Consider utilizing crossbow techniques to scatter protesters as well as dismantle the barricades.
Note: A crossbow technique involves a team leader making a plan and informing team members, who are standing by in reserve, in a column behind the main line. When the commander gives the signal, team members open a portion of the line and the column suddenly bursts through, loudly and forcefully, startling and scattering protesters as they form a new line. This tactic can also be used to encircle a manageable group or person to contain them for arrest or to rescue a downed officer or citizen.
In the video below, officers practice the basic “Crossbow Tactic,” shown from both in front of and behind the line.
2. Leaf blowers
Crowd members used leaf blowers to redirect chemical munitions and, at times, to launch projectiles at officers.
Tactical counter: Arrest teams can be deployed using either a crossbow technique or a stealth flanking maneuver to apprehend anyone in the crowd posing threats or violating the law.
3. Rocks, Molotov cocktails, frozen water bottles
While not new, these were used dangerously — rocks were thrown from overhead structures onto motor vehicles and police cars, some of which were occupied.
Tactical counters:
- Sweep areas in advance; you will often find pallets of bricks, stones, rocks, fireworks, bats, frozen water bottles, Super Soakers, leaf blowers, bottles, rags, gasoline and other items hidden for use in disturbances. Police these up.
- Control the high ground — secure overheads, balconies and rooftops.
- Use shields and protective gear. Officers in this latest round of disturbances were sent out in just the uniform of the day and eight-point hats.
- Deploy trained grenadiers equipped with chemical and impact munitions. If death or great bodily harm is imminent, deadly force may be used as a last resort.
- Train specifically for Molotov cocktail threats. Use fire-retardant crowd control uniforms and have Class B fire extinguishers (for gasoline fires) readily available.
4. Waving and wearing foreign flags, burning the red, white and blue
Tactical counters:
- These acts are mostly constitutionally protected; however, they can help identify participants’ affiliations and loyalties.
- Pay attention to the flagstaff — it may have a spearhead or other weaponizable attachment. Confiscate these where appropriate.
- Be aware of groups like “The Reconquistas,” who carry the Mexican flag and believe parts of the U.S. should be reclaimed. Such ideologies may correlate with increased aggression.
- Exercise caution when flags of groups like Hamas or other violent anti-American movements are flown. Anarchists fall into this category as well.
- Prepare for the emotional reaction to seeing the U.S. flag burned. Legal consequences vary by jurisdiction. Officers should be trained on appropriate legal responses.
5. Vandalizing Waymo driverless cars
Demonstrators summon autonomous vehicles, disable them by covering sensors with cones, then vandalize or set them on fire. Lithium batteries burn hotter, longer and release toxic chemicals.
Tactical counters:
- Notify service providers when disturbances erupt.
- Conduct sting operations. Arson of these vehicles is a major felony; they are valued at $150,000–$200,000 each.
- If vandalism occurs in view of a police line, deploy a crossbow maneuver to apprehend suspects.
- Call trained professionals for fires involving lithium batteries. Class D extinguishers and other methods may be required.
6. Resistance to officers
While not new, resistance is on the rise and should be anticipated.
Tactical counter: Team arrest tactics should be practiced to instructor-level competency. Proficiency shows professionalism and communicates to rioters that resistance is futile.
7. Media response
Some media outlets have falsely portrayed violent events as “peaceful,” distorting public perception.
Tactical counters:
- Educate journalists about police tactics, as you would elected officials.
- When false reports appear, release police footage and directly refute misinformation using names and quotes where applicable.
8. Regrouping after dispersal
Rioters scattered by classic tactics regrouped repeatedly.
Tactical counter: Deploy trained Field Force Units with designated commanders to address regrouping rioters swiftly and repeatedly.
LAPD News: LAPD Releases Information Related to Recent Protests pic.twitter.com/uk7FX79zrz
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) June 10, 2025
9. Widespread use of masks
Masks complicate criminal identification. The “Guy Fawkes” mask, for instance, has been tied to the anarchist movement.
Tactical counter: Enforce anti-mask ordinances early and consistently where they exist.
10. Delayed response to law enforcement requests
In some instances, assistance was delayed — possibly for political reasons — allowing unrest to grow.
Tactical counters:
- Agencies must internally address any “stand down” orders that jeopardize lives.
- Tackle small disturbances early — “It is easier to put out a cigarette butt than a forest fire.”
Conclusion
I hope these observations and suggestions help. All of these tactical counters are just a way to approach these challenges — not the way. Check your local laws, policies and leadership directives before utilizing any of these tactics. Some require pre-training.
In closing, to all who stand on that thin blue line between order and chaos: stay safe, stay strong, stay positive — and prepare.
