On Wednesday, the Department of Justice revealed that 10 individuals have been arrested on federal charges linked to violence against law enforcement. Notably, two deaths occurred during a tumultuous anti-ICE riot in Southern California.
In June, widespread protests against ICE took place as federal deportation efforts intensified. According to a press release, ten of the defendants are currently in federal custody, while one is awaiting transfer, and another is considered a fugitive, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri remarked, “Violence against law enforcement officers is completely unacceptable. We made it clear over the summer that those who resort to violence would be held accountable, and today we are honoring that commitment.”
Among the suspects are Virginia Reyes, 32, and Isai Carrillo, 31, both from Oxnard, California. They face charges of “conspiracy to obstruct or injure federal officers.” This stems from a Department of Homeland Security operation on July 10, which involved searches at various locations, including Glasshouse Farms in Camarillo, California.
During this operation, a group of protesters, some associated with a local activist group named VC Defensa, reportedly pursued and obstructed federal agents as they arrived at the farm.
The press release indicates that members of VC Defensa’s “Rapid Response Network” were also monitoring DHS offices and warned the community about the presence of federal agents nearby. During the enforcement action at Glasshouse Farms, these protesters allegedly set up barricades using farm equipment at the main access points.
As federal agents attempted to exit, protesters allegedly created obstacles to intercept their vehicles. According to reports, at least four government vehicles sustained damage, and at least one federal contract worker was injured. Authorities believe around ten individuals conspired to impede and assault federal officers and damage property.
Reyes, who is believed to be fleeing, was reportedly present during a traffic stop, while Carrillo and others faced accusations of throwing rocks at federal vehicles and injuring a contractor.
The other suspects are charged with “obstructing and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disturbance” related to a confrontation with California Highway Patrol officers in downtown Los Angeles on June 8. The suspects include Ronald Alexis Corias, 23; Junior Roldan, 27; Elmore Sylvester Cage, 34; Bart Montion, 24; Jesus Gonzalez Hernandez Jr., 22; Hector Daniel Ramos, 66; Stefano Deon Green, 34; Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23; and Ismael Vega, 41.
During that protest, which gathered thousands, some demonstrators became violent, injuring officers and damaging both public and private property. At one point, they blocked Route 101, prompting CHP officers to intervene to clear the area.
As officers stood by, a crowd reportedly formed on an overpass above, where some began hurling various objects, including rocks and street signs, at them. At one point, demonstrators poured a clear yellow liquid onto a burning CHP vehicle, exacerbating the flames.
Another suspect, Yovany Marcario Canil, 22, faces charges for allegedly assaulting a federal officer during a protest on June 6 outside a clothing warehouse in downtown Los Angeles. While federal vehicles were leaving, he supposedly pepper-sprayed a vehicle with three FBI SWAT members inside, affecting at least two of them.
All twelve suspects could face a maximum sentence ranging from five to eight years in federal prison.
VC Defensa Group has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these events.
