H.Res.496 condemns the violent riots that occurred in Los Angeles in June 2025, arising from protests linked to federal immigration enforcement actions and detailing acts of arson, vandalism, and assaults on officers. It affirms the right to assemble and protest peacefully and calls on local and state leaders to work with the federal government to end the violence and restore order.
The resolution also expresses gratitude to the law enforcement personnel striving to keep communities safe. While brief, the measure signals Congress’s support for law enforcement and intergovernmental coordination as a matter of public safety and the rule of law.
At a Glance
What It Does
The resolution condemns the violence, recognizes the right to peaceful assembly, calls on local and state leaders to coordinate with federal authorities to end the riots, and acknowledges law enforcement efforts.
Who It Affects
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies; local and state government leaders in California; communities and visitors affected by the unrest.
Why It Matters
It establishes a clear congressional stance on civil unrest, emphasizes cooperation across government levels, and frames the response to riots as a matter of public safety and law enforcement support.
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What This Bill Actually Does
This resolution condemns the violence that erupted during the June 2025 protests in Los Angeles, which followed federal immigration enforcement actions. It notes the acts of arson, vandalism, fires, and assaults on officers that marked the unrest and reiterates the right of Americans to gather and protest peacefully.
The measure then urges local and state leaders to collaborate with the federal government to end the violence and restore public order, while explicitly recognizing the efforts of police and other law enforcement agencies in maintaining safety. The text stops short of proposing new legal requirements; instead, it records Congress’s stance and gratitude toward those enforcing the law.
The resolution is a formal expression of concern and support for intergovernmental coordination in the face of civil unrest.
The Five Things You Need to Know
The resolution condemns violence against federal, state, and local law enforcement.
It affirms the right to assemble and protest peacefully.
It calls on local and state leaders to coordinate with the federal government to end the riots.
It expresses gratitude to law enforcement agencies including LAPD, LASD, CHP, and others.
It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Young Kim and cosponsors on June 10, 2025.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
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Findings and purpose
The resolution documents that protests began on June 6, 2025 in reaction to federal immigration-enforcement actions and escalated into violent riots across Los Angeles, including arson, vandalism, blocked streets, and attacks on law enforcement. These findings establish the context for the condemnation and the call for intergovernmental coordination that follows.
Condemn violence and support for officers
The House unequivocally condemns the violence perpetrated against federal, state, and local law enforcement during the unrest, and it acknowledges the role of police and other agencies in protecting communities and maintaining order.
Call for coordination between governments
The resolution urges local and state elected leaders to work with the federal government to end the riots and restore peace, signaling support for a coordinated response across jurisdictions.
Gratitude to law enforcement
The measure expresses appreciation for law enforcement personnel at the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and other local, state, and federal agencies involved in the response.
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Who Benefits
- Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies benefit from a formal statement of support and a clear diplomatic signal to coordinate across jurisdictions.
- California state and local elected leaders benefit from a framework that encourages collaboration with federal authorities to manage civil unrest.
- Residents and small businesses in the Los Angeles area benefit from emphasis on restoring public safety and stability during and after unrest.
- Federal agencies involved in enforcement or incident response gain political and procedural direction for cross-jurisdictional cooperation.
Who Bears the Cost
- Local law enforcement agencies may incur overtime, staffing, and resource costs associated with responding to unrest and coordinating with federal authorities.
- California state and local governments may face costs related to intergovernmental coordination and public-safety logistics.
- Los Angeles-area residents and businesses could experience continued disruption or economic costs tied to civil unrest and the enforcement response.
- Federal agencies may allocate resources to support intergovernmental coordination and enforcement efforts in the short term.
Key Issues
The Core Tension
How can Congress simultaneously uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and authorize robust, cross-jurisdictional actions to prevent or respond to violent unrest without expanding federal authority in ways that could unsettle state and local autonomy?
The central tension in this resolution lies in balancing the protected right to assemble with the imperative to safeguard public safety and maintain order during civil unrest. By condemning violence while affirming protest rights, the measure walks a line between civil liberties and security.
In practice, the text relies on intergovernmental cooperation—between local, state, and federal authorities—as its primary mechanism, which raises questions about how such coordination will be operationalized and funded, and whether it could influence future responses to protests. The resolution does not create new legal duties or funding streams; instead, it signals Congressional support for a collaborative approach and for recognizing the essential role of law enforcement in crisis situations.
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