Ten Arrested in Connection with Violent Anti-Immigration Protests in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – Federal authorities in the Central District of California have arrested ten individuals following violent incidents that occurred during protests against federal immigration enforcement earlier this year. The protests, beginning on June 6th and escalating on June 8th, involved obstruction of law enforcement, vandalism, and assaults on officers.
On June 6th, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside an Ambiance Apparel warehouse in the Fashion District. During the dispersal of federal vehicles, Yovany Marcario Canil, 22, of Boyle Heights, allegedly pepper-sprayed into an FBI SWAT vehicle occupied by three agents. Two agents reported experiencing burning sensations and facial discoloration as a result. Canil has been charged with assault on a federal officer, a crime carrying a potential eight-year prison sentence.
The situation escalated on June 8th in downtown Los Angeles’s Civic Center,where thousands protested. Demonstrators engaged in violence against law enforcement and damaged both public and private property, including federal buildings and police vehicles with blunt objects. Police declared an unlawful assembly after protesters blocked all lanes of U.S. Highway 101.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers responded to the freeway obstruction, clearing protesters and remaining on scene to prevent re-entry.While positioned under the Main and Los Angeles Street overpasses, officers were targeted by individuals throwing rocks, electric scooters, street signs, and other objects. A CHP vehicle was also intentionally ignited, and a protester allegedly poured a yellow liquid onto the flames, causing them to intensify.
following these events,the FBI,Homeland Security Investigations,and the Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco,Firearms and Explosives launched investigations leading to multiple arrests. While details on the remaining nine arrests are not fully detailed in available information, they are connected to the violence and property damage that occurred during the protests.
The cases are being prosecuted by assistant United States Attorneys Patrick D. Kibbe, Neil P. Thakor, Rahul R.A. Hari, and Jenna Long of the Central District of California.
The FBI continues to seek information regarding additional individuals involved in the unrest and has published wanted notices:
* 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
Notably a complaint contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
