In Los Angeles, the unrest from anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests to “No Kings Day” demonstrations continues to escalate with frequent incidents of violence. In response, federal and local prosecutors are intensifying efforts to charge individuals involved in crimes such as assaulting police officers, theft, and damaging public property.
Following eight consecutive days of protests against ICE, organized “No Kings Day” demonstrations erupted in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, resulting in chaotic scenes. According to police alerts, protesters continuously threw concrete, stones, bottles, commercial fireworks, and other objects at law enforcement, leading to road closures. Police responded by firing tear gas at the demonstrators and issuing dispersal orders, with some officers sustaining injuries. The Los Angeles Police Department later declared the gathering an unlawful assembly.
Prior to the “No Kings Day” protest on Saturday, the Los Angeles area was already engulfed in turmoil. On the 6th of this month, ICE conducted raids in multiple locations in Los Angeles, triggering protests, assaults on ICE agents, tire slashings, and vandalizing of building exteriors.
Subsequently, reports emerged of assaults on police officers, spray painting anti-ICE slogans on federal facilities’ walls, looting and vandalizing businesses, smashing cars, burning vehicles, damaging public facilities, and blocking roads causing traffic disruptions.
“I strongly support the right to peaceful protest and freedom of speech, but my office will vigorously prosecute those who engage in criminal activities,” emphasized Los Angeles County Prosecutor Nathan Hochman at a press conference last Wednesday. “We will prosecute individuals who throw bricks, cobblestones, or fireworks at officers to the fullest extent allowed by law.”
Hochman also highlighted that attacks on law enforcement, public or private property are unforgivable, stating that his office is pursuing charges against over a dozen individuals for various offenses.
Among them, Juan Rodriguez, born in 1977, faces charges of assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, promoting violence causing injury, and throwing fireworks at law enforcement resulting in an officer being burned. If convicted, he could face up to six years and four months in state prison.
Randy Paul Ruiz, born in 1997, and Georgina Ravellero, born in 2000, are both charged with assaulting police officers. Ruiz allegedly drove a motorcycle into a group of officers on the 8th of the month, while Ravellero was accused of driving another motorcycle at officers, injuring one and knocking down several people. Both face a maximum of six years and four months in state prison if found guilty.
Christopher Gonzalez, born in 1998, and Yoselyn Johnson, born in 1985, are accused of conspiring to intentionally damage others’ property. Besides vandalizing an apartment building, they collaborated to deface one side of the Hall of Justice building in Los Angeles. Each could face three years and eight months in state prison if convicted.
Ulysses Sanchez, born in 1987, faces charges of using a deadly weapon in an attack, feloniously possessing a firearm, reckless driving, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Upon his arrest, authorities found a loaded ghost gun and a meth pipe in his car. If found guilty, Sanchez could face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
Timmie Paulk, born in 1995, and Raven Mitchell, born in 1999, are suspected of stealing multiple items from a Nike store and are charged with two counts of commercial burglary and grand theft. Each could face up to three years in state prison if convicted.
These cases have been filed, with many more pending submission to the prosecutor’s office for further processing.
Federal prosecutors are also pursuing individuals who threw destructive devices and attacked law enforcement during the unrest.
For instance, Emiliano Garduno Galvez, 23 years old, and Wrackkie Quiogue, 27, are accused of possessing and throwing Molotov cocktails at the riot scene, facing up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
Christian Andres Garcia, 32, and Rene Luna, 43, are allegedly involved in attacking federal law enforcement officers during the chaos, facing up to one year in federal prison if found guilty.
Furthermore, a controversial video circulated online during the third day of unrest, depicting a masked man picking up rocks from the roadside and hurling them at a moving California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle. The individual was later identified as Adam Palermo from Los Angeles and was arrested on the 13th for this incident and for arson, setting a CHP vehicle on fire.
Another man suspected of throwing rocks at Customs and Border Protection (CBP) vehicles during the protests has also been apprehended.
Omar Pulido Bastida, an illegal Mexican immigrant residing in Los Angeles, was arrested earlier for assaulting federal employees by spitting saliva at federal agents executing an arrest warrant. This offense could result in an eight-year federal prison sentence if convicted.
Bill Essayli, Chief Federal Prosecutor for the Central District of California, emphasized in a statement, “Law enforcement officers risk their lives to uphold the law. The defendants’ actions show disrespect to them and to the United States, and they will face appropriate punishment.”