Law enforcement officials have arrested 10 individuals on federal charges related to violence and civil disorder during protests against immigration enforcement in Southern California earlier this year, according to the Justice Department. The arrests stem from three separate criminal complaints alleging violence against law enforcement officers and damage to property.
A total of 12 defendants are charged with federal crimes in these cases. Ten are currently in federal custody, one is held by state authorities pending transfer, and one remains a fugitive.
Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “There is zero tolerance for violence against law enforcement officers. During the summer we warned the public that anyone who engages in any violence will eventually be brought to justice. Today we are delivering on that promise and will continue to hold those who violated the law accountable.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented, “Acts of violence against the brave law enforcement officers who protect us are an attack on civilized society itself. As today’s arrests and charges illustrate, anyone who engages in such disgusting conduct will face severe consequences from this Department of Justice.”
HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang emphasized constitutional rights but drew a line at violent acts: “While the Constitution protects the freedom of speech and the freedom to peaceably assemble, it does not provide for the freedom to assault federal officers, impede or obstruct federal officers or conspire to do so, or destroy government property. We will vigorously protect the rights to free speech and free and peaceful assembly, but we will also, without fear or favor, deliver consequences and bring accountability to those criminals that violate federal law.”
Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office added: “The FBI safeguards civil rights and the right to protest peacefully, but there is no place in a civilized society for violence targeted at law enforcement, nor the destruction of government property. Our agents and police partners are carrying out their duties lawfully and should be able to do so without violent interference. I urge anyone with information about these unidentified subjects wanted for civil disorder and arson to come forward to assist us and claim the reward of up to $10,000.”
Special Agent Kenny Cooper of ATF Los Angeles said: “Violence has no place in our society. Peaceful protest is a right; assault is a crime. The ATF will continue to stand with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who serve and protect our communities can do so safely.”
In United States v. Reyes et al., Virginia Reyes of Oxnard is accused alongside Isai Carrillo with conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer after incidents at Glass House Farms in Camarillo on July 10 during immigration-related search warrants executed by Homeland Security agents. Protesters allegedly built roadblocks using farm equipment; some threw rocks at government vehicles as they exited via alternate routes due to blocked entrances. At least four vehicles were damaged and one contract employee was injured.
Reyes remains at large while Carrillo was arrested; both face up to five years if convicted.
In United States v. Coreas et al., nine individuals face charges for obstructing law enforcement during civil disorder following protests on June 8 near downtown Los Angeles’ Civic Center amid ongoing immigration operations starting June 6. While most protesters remained peaceful, some engaged in violent acts including throwing objects at California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers positioned under freeway overpasses after protesters blocked U.S Highway 101 traffic lanes. Officers sustained injuries; patrol cars were damaged; buildings were vandalized.
Most defendants have made initial court appearances or are expected soon; one remains in state custody awaiting transfer.
In United States v. Canil, Yovany Marcario Canil was arrested Tuesday on allegations he assaulted a federal officer by pepper-spraying into an FBI SWAT vehicle during demonstrations outside an apparel warehouse on June 6—an act causing two agents facial irritation.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Investigations continue by multiple agencies including FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Prosecutors from various sections within the U.S Attorney’s Office handle each case respectively.
The FBI has requested public assistance identifying additional suspects involved in violence related to anti-immigration enforcement protests earlier this year:
https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/civil-disorder-1
https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/civil-disorder-2
https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/arson
