Los Angeles officials have launched an aggressive legal campaign against individuals implicated in violent riots during ongoing immigration demonstrations. Over 575 arrests have been made, as federal authorities initiate investigations into the financial backing of these protests through the IRS. Charges include assaulting law enforcement, conspiring to incite civil disorder, and attempting to start fires. Officials have emphasized that such acts of violence are endangering both officers and communities.
During a press conference, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, and California Highway Patrol Southern Division Chief Chris Margaris announced additional charges against multiple alleged rioters. Hochman stated that the group sought to commit crimes, using the protests as a cover to engage in illegal activities, which has done a significant disservice to legitimate protesters.
The California sheriff reported that nearly a dozen deputies were injured in anti-ICE riots. Several arrests have resulted from peaceful protesters reporting acts of violence, with over 45 law enforcement agencies assisting in maintaining order across the city. One suspect, William Rubio, faces two felony charges of assault on a police officer and two charges of using a destructive device to injure or destroy after allegedly throwing fireworks at law enforcement during the riots.
Essayli disclosed further details of individuals charged with federal crimes for their alleged roles in the violent riots. One of the protesters, Alejandro Orellana, faces charges of conspiracy to commit civil disorder and aiding and abetting civil disorder. Prosecutors allege Orellana distributed face shields to people engaging in violent behavior, which they stated were designed to protect against chemical splashes and flying debris, thereby helping violent agitators avoid less-lethal weapons used by law enforcement.
Authorities found a wrist rocket-style slingshot, ammunition, plastic goggles, and a notebook with abbreviations for ‘All Cops are B——‘ and ‘murder’ at Orellana’s home following an FBI search. Each charge against Orellana could result in a minimum sentence of five years in prison. Essayli also detailed the arrest of Adam Charles Palermo for his alleged role in attacking CHP officers. Palermo was charged with attempted arson of a vehicle used in interstate or foreign commerce after being caught on camera participating in the violence.
Palermo’s social media account contained a collage of photographs and videos depicting a man holding flying debris, a burning CHP patrol car, and various damages to patrol cars. He wrote, ‘All of the protests I’ve been involved in, which is well over 100 now. I’m most proud of what I did today.’ If convicted, Palermo could face up to 20 years in prison. Authorities have also arrested dozens of anti-ICE rioters, with Trump sending in the National Guard to quell the violence.
In addition to the numerous charges, the IRS is examining the funding of these protests among dozens of organizations and nonprofits as part of a long-term investigation. Essayli noted that the IRS specializes in tracing money and its origins. Since the first weekend of protests, the Los Angeles Police Department has arrested 575 people, according to a media release. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton stated that these crimes do not advance any cause or message, instead endangering officers and harming communities, small businesses, and civic institutions.
The total arrests come as authorities seek to regain control after riots that began in response to the ICE raids in sanctuary cities. For several nights, police clashed with protesters in downtown LA, using tear gas and other crowd control measures. Authorities have faced protesters throwing projectiles, setting cars on fire, and launching fireworks at police, with 10 members of law enforcement reporting injuries as of Monday. One of the most violent offenses involved an illegal immigrant from Mexico charged with attempted murder after he threw a Molotov cocktail during a demonstration, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This illegal alien, Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, is being charged with attempted murder after threatening the lives of federal law enforcement officers, as stated by DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.