Man Pleads Guilty to Throwing Molotov Cocktail at Deputies During Immigration Protest
A 23-year-old man, Emiliano Garduno Galvez, pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges stemming from an incident during protests against immigration enforcement in Paramount this summer. galvez admitted to possessing an unregistered destructive device and engaging in civil disorder after throwing a Molotov cocktail toward Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies on June 7th.
The incident occurred after Border Patrol agents were seen gathering near a Home Depot in Paramount, prompting a rapid response from protesters fueled by recent federal raids in Los Angeles. The protest escalated,wiht individuals throwing rocks and cinder blocks,setting fires,and launching fireworks at law enforcement. The Home Depot was forced to temporarily close due to the unrest and reported stolen merchandise, including cinder blocks used in the confrontation.
According to the plea agreement, Galvez positioned himself behind a wall, ignited a Molotov cocktail, and threw it in the direction of the deputies. the device landed approximately 15 feet from the officers,near a protester.Galvez then fled the scene.
He admitted his intent was to obstruct and impede the deputies who were performing their official duties. galvez,identified as a Mexican citizen in the country illegally,faces up to 15 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 30th. Authorities stated the protest disrupted federal agency coordination and negatively impacted commerce.
