LA Protests: Video of ‘Blackhawk Helicopter’ Dropping Off Boxes Sparks Alarm

A news report showing what appears to be a Blackhawk helicopter resupplying federal officials clashing with protesters who are demonstrating against immigration enforcement tactics has sparked alarm.

Why It Matters

Since his inauguration in January, President Donald Trump has implemented sweeping changes, mainly through executive orders, and has prioritized immigration control as a key pillar within the administration.

Recently, the president utilized the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime law that grants the commander-in-chief authority to detain or deport non-citizens. The implementation was originally blocked in federal court and sparked a contentious legal back-and-forth.

An increased numbers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has led to protests in Los Angeles, a sanctuary city, putting the spotlight on escalating disputes between federal immigration authorities and city officials over enforcement tactics, community safety, and sanctuary policies.

Agents fired tear gas, flash-bang explosives and pepper balls, while protesters hurled rocks and cement at Border Patrol vehicles.

Trump has deployed more than 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles, despite Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections.

What To Know

An unverified video from Channel 7 showed a helicopter landing in Paramount, near a Department of Homeland Security office, at around 5:45 p.m. Saturday.

It reported people off-loading “boxes and boxes, dozens of boxes of ammunitions, less-lethal weaponry” and “tanks with flammable labels on the side.”

“An entire shipment, as if they were getting ready for some kind of a major battle,” the presenter said.

Newsweek was unable to independently verify the veracity of the video and has contacted Channel 7 for clarification.

Harry Sisson, a liberal social media influencer, was one of a number of people who shared the clip, with his post alone garnering 1.5 million views.

“This is REALLY bad,” he said.

Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia), a liberal political commentary account, posted the same clip, saying people were “unloading weapons and ammunition in downtown Los Angeles.”

Republicans Against Trump also shared the video.

It is unclear whether the helicopter is a military aircraft or one that belongs to U.S. Customs and Border Control, which also operates Blackhawk helicopters.

Newsweek contacted the Department of Homeland Security via email outside of working hours for comment.

What People Are Saying

The White House said in a statement on Saturday evening: “In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE officers and federal law enforcement agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States.

“In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X: “The violent mob assaults on ICE and federal law enforcement are designed to prevent the removal of Criminal Illegal Aliens from our soil; a dangerous invasion facilitated by criminal cartels (aka Foreign Terrorist Organizations) and a huge NATIONAL SECURITY RISK. Under President Trump, violence & destruction against federal agents & federal facilities will NOT be tolerated. It’s COMMON SENSE.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: “The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles—not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle. Don’t give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.”

What Happens Next

Federal authorities have indicated that investigations into assaults on law enforcement during the Los Angeles protests are ongoing, with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stating authorities are “thoroughly reviewing the evidence” and working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute perpetrators.

Advocacy groups continue demanding accountability from federal agencies and reviews of ICE’s enforcement tactics.