Jose Guillen Named as Aggressive Anti-ICE Protester Who Reportedly Shot Slingshot at LAPD

Protest Violence in Los Angeles: Suspect Identified

In the aftermath of last weekend’s intense protests against ICE, authorities in Los Angeles have identified a leading instigator as 27-year-old Jose Guillen. According to the police, Guillen used a slingshot to launch metal objects at officers during a rally in downtown LA.

The Los Angeles Police Department noted in a social media update that Guillen was arrested around 7:10 p.m. on Friday and charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer. This charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years.

As of Tuesday, Guillen was being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility with bail set at $50,000, according to a spokesperson from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The protests over the weekend resulted in numerous arrests, especially in the downtown area, where tensions escalated significantly. Authorities reported that a minor was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after throwing a rock at a police vehicle during the chaos.

Police managed to apprehend this juvenile near Alameda Avenue and 15th Street just after 11 p.m. that night. The officer involved in the alleged incident has not yet been publicly identified, and the juvenile will be released to a guardian as the investigation continues.

The protests began on Friday and intensified into Saturday, tapering off after midnight on Sunday. Video footage showed demonstrators confronting police at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, leading to reports of violence including the throwing of bottles and police using tear gas and pepper spray.

There were also reports of fireworks being set off at the intersection of Alameda and Aliso streets, contributing to the tumult of the demonstrations. In total, police have arrested approximately 50 individuals, including three minors, for failing to disperse from the violent protests.

Charges varied among those arrested—one person was detained for fleeing from police, while another faced charges related to vandalism against a police vehicle.