Alejandro Orellana, 29, has been indicted by federal prosecutors for allegedly supplying anti-ICE protesters with protective gear during demonstrations in Los Angeles. The incident, which went viral after being captured on live TV, involves Orellana allegedly loading his truck with Uvex brand Bionic Face Shields, masks, water bottles, and other items before distributing them to a crowd of protesters.
Federal prosecutors stated that Orellana met up with other individuals on June 9 to prepare his Ford F-150 pickup truck with protective gear and supplies ahead of the anti-ICE protests. He then drove the truck to the protesters, where he handed out the items, according to the Justice Department. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized that the DOJ has made it a priority to identify and arrest those involved in organizing, supporting, funding, or facilitating these riots. He described the protests as well-orchestrated, coordinated, and well-funded, underscoring the seriousness of the charges against Orellana.
Orellana’s case has drawn attention from local supporters who argue that his actions were legitimate forms of protest. A group associated with Orellana, CENTRO CSO, is raising funds for his legal defense and planning a protest on Thursday to demand the charges be dropped. The group stated on Instagram, ‘Orellana is facing 5 years for protesting ICE Raids, Protesting is Not a Crime! Alejandro did nothing wrong!’
Locally, over 40 individuals have been charged with offenses stemming from violent riots against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts last month. The charges came after protests and riots erupted in and around Los Angeles amid the Trump administration’s mass deportation operations targeting illegal immigrants. The Justice Department has been actively investigating the funding and coordination behind these protests, with Orellana’s indictment being a notable step in their efforts to hold individuals accountable for participating in violent demonstrations.