@990000 I think those Nazi scum understood that using their weapons would intensify the counterattack rather than stop it. That big launcher BTW is no more powerful than a big slingshot and a bag of golf balls.

Real worst case for them is they fire these things, inflicting mostly minor to moderate injuries some will consider an acceptable price of defeating ICE in battle.

Infuriated, the rest of the crowd then charges and overrruns them at this close range, and their escape vehicle is destroyed. They are simply too close to rely on projectiles for defense. They cannot switch to their firearms without being tackled first. Cops in the back find meat shields between them and their targets. Their shots are blocked. Presumably they have to surrender, negotiating for terms to escape without any prisoners.

Even if this scenario is statistically unlikely in any one battle, they know that if they keep it up, sooner or later they will roll snakeeyes. Any incident where anyone is seriously hurt by ICE thugs means defenders will use greater force next time around.

The harder they push the greater the risk. They are fighting for a paycheck and hate, the defenders are fighting for their lives. Hats off to San Diego, V for Victory!