In a surprising twist, California’s taxpayer-funded “ambassador of peace” turned out to be a convicted murderer who is now facing more felony charges, as authorities revealed on Friday.
Michael Angel Alvarez, also known as “Diablo,” was arrested on suspicion of being a violent felon linked to the 18th Street gang and for possessing body armor. This was confirmed by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Previously, Alvarez was employed by Healing Urban Barrios, an organization that offers paid “violence prevention” services in Los Angeles. This is part of the so-called “Peace Ambassador” initiative, according to the DOJ.
MacArthur Park Latest Information
this morning, @FBILosAngeles Michael Angel Alvarez, 41, also known as “Diablo,” is an active member of the 18th Street gang, a convicted murderer, and a Los Angeles “ambassador of peace” who is paid by Los Angeles taxpayers.
According to city council members… pic.twitter.com/zXMMoItNIq
— FA U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) May 29, 2026
The Daily Caller News Foundation couldn’t determine who represents Mr. Alvarez legally, and requests for comment from Healing Urban Barrios went unanswered.
According to the city’s website, the Peace Ambassadors program hires “unarmed workers with experience in the justice and gang systems” to manage specific local crises, aiming to provide residents with alternatives to law enforcement.
A document allegedly showing Mr. Alvarez’s role as Ambassador of Peace indicates he earned $58,156 from Healing Urban Barrios in 2025. This came after Los Angeles allocated $450,000 for the organization’s services over three years, as stated by the Department of Justice.
Alvarez’s arrest seems to fit into a broader pattern where individuals labeled as anti-violence activists in more liberal areas find themselves in legal troubles, raising questions about their past behaviors.
As detailed by the Justice Department, Alvarez was convicted of first-degree murder back in 2002 and initially faced a 50-year-to-life prison sentence. However, he was released after serving 24 years. Additionally, in April 2025, he was convicted for illegally possessing a weapon.
Bill Esseri, an assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, remarked on a Friday X post, “There’s no evidence that Alvarez has cut ties with the 18th Street gang.” He noted that recordings from Alvarez’s phone calls in jail hinted at discussions about attacking people who violated gang rules.
Esseri further expressed that “the hardworking taxpayers of Los Angeles deserve better than to see their funds go to a convicted gang killer.”
